8 Goals for the New Year!

In 2013, I joined a sorority and have wonderful sisters, started giving tours at my favorite university, volunteered at a title 1 high school doing what I love, spent my summer with fun coworkers and crazy children, made friends from all over the world, traveled throughout Southeast Asia, and most importantly fell in love with Thailand and traveling, started a blog, changed the way I see the world, and reevaluated my beliefs and life goals. I had a wonderful year. It was busy, and I have grown and learned and am motivated to continue that. I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store.

My 8 goals for this year revolve around being healthier, more educated, and a more involved citizen, globally and locally.

1. Read more, including at least one nonfiction or memoir about each country I've visited.

2. Save money for future travels by improving my money management skills.

3. Eat well- more vegetarian and less processed foods

4. Stay positive by finding good in everything.

5. Work out at least 3 times a week.

6. Find somewhere to volunteer at once a week.

7. Put forth my best effort in all that I do.

Happy New Year!

It Has Been Fun Thailand

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is the change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." 
Miriam Beard

Summing up my past 3 months in Southeast Asia seems like an impossible task because there are too many experiences, memories, and people that played a part in my wonderful semester. I will miss the warm smiles (especially from the children), the chaotic (and sometimes overwhelming) markets, gorgeous temples, street food from the vendors, the scenic countryside and beaches, the various and sometimes unique forms of transportation, spending 5 different currencies in a week, traveling every weekend, 7-11s (my go-to shop here), and most importantly, the people that I spent my semester with.

I am thrilled by how independent I have become in such a foreign country halfway around the world. I am comfortable here. I have fallen in love with Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. It's mesmerizing. I am renewed with a drive to see the rest of the world because the more I see, the more I realize how large it is. I have become more confident in my skills, more passionate about learning, and am working to be a more positive person. I have Thailand to thank.

It's time to say goodbye for now, but I know I'll be back to this wonderful country which holds so many memories that are dear to my heart. See you later, Thailand. You've shown me the best time.

So, What Have I Learned?

“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life - and travel - leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks - on your body or on your heart - are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.” 

Anthony Bourdain

This semester has been an accumulation of lessons. Many of which I don't think I've realized that I've even learned. I've discussed some (below) that I believe I've begun working on; though, as with all things, I have a long way to go.

1. I learned how to be happy.
I can honestly say that I've never been so happy in my life than I was this past semester. Even during frustrating times I tried to continuously reminded myself that it was all part of the adventure of being abroad.

2. I learned that I'm stronger than I thought.
I met new people and made incredible friends in a very short period of time which I used to say I was bad at. It was easier than I thought though. We were all looking to make friends because Thailand was new to all of us. I took a gigantic leap by deciding to relocate halfway around the world for a semester knowing no one. I was scared, but I loved it and proved to myself what I'm capable of doing.

3. I learned to appreciate nature and see beauty in the things around me.
I've never been a very outdoorsy person, but I've become someone that really enjoys nature. The world is beautiful and acknowledging that just makes me a happier and more appreciative person.

4. I learned how much I love to learn.
I am embarrassed to say that I was naive and ignorant about a lot of things prior to coming to Thailand. However, I have begun to research, discuss with those around me, and ponder what things mean in relation to my life when I don't know about them. I am also working to see things from both sides so that I get the full picture and can more accurately form my opinions on topics such as animal rights, prostitution, volunteering, etc. I have made goals to read at least one memoir or nonfiction book about every country that I visit. I am also trying to switch from watching my drama TV shows to watching documentaries on topics that I'm interested in but may not know a lot about.

5. I became more open-minded.
I listened to other people's beliefs and used those to question mine. I learned more and changed some of my views. I'm working to be more accepting of others' views as well, even if they do differ from mine.

6. I learned to slow down.
In today's world too often we're going going going. I know I'm guilty of this. I get out of bed at the last moment so that I rush around to get ready and then rush to class. I walk too fast. I always have a destination in mind and I don't take enough time to enjoy the moment. Thailand has taught me that sometimes I need to slow down and take in the world around me. There's no need to constantly be on a tight schedule when I go out.

7. I learned a smile goes a long way.
I spent a semester in a country that I don't speak the native language. Most Thais don't speak english either. This means that I've spent a semester playing charades and guessing around trying to hit the jackpot word that they'll recognize. While I may not be able to communicate with many Thai people, a smile and a laugh can go a long way.

I think that I have become a more well-rounded, happier, healthier, accepting, and adventurous person, thanks to this trip. Even though I'm going back home soon, I hope that I continue to develop these lessons and add on to the list. The learning doesn't stop here.

It's Only "See You Later"

I'm not sure where the past 3 months have gone. Suddenly everyone has begun leaving the dorms to go home or travel for some time before going home. Either way, I won't see them again in Thailand. It's nice that we live all over the world because that means that wherever I go I have a contact. However, it also means that we all live so far apart that I can't just hop in my car and make a weekend trip to see people. Because of this goodbyes are difficult. I have been feeling very nostalgic the past few days. The memories and friendships that I have made this semester have been beyond what I could have ever hoped for. I am excited to go home and see my family and friends. I do believe that it's time, but it doesn't make leaving much easier. How can I say goodbye to a semester that has been so wonderful?

3 months ago I came to Thailand not really knowing what to expect. I didn't know anyone else, I didn't know the cultures, and I was scared. I have since met wonderful people, made memories that run the gamut, and truly fallen in love with traveling and Southeast Asia.

I am struggling to sum this semester up, so I have decided to use the words of my friends to help.

Brandon:
September 8th: "No garbage cans, police, netflix, packer games, or traffic laws. Lots of strange meat, very minimal English, 89 and SUPER humid, and a freaking crazy experience so far!"

To think I am getting on a plane tomorrow freaks me out. I remember day 1 like it was yesterday (I wish I could say that about every day). I feel like a different person today and when I look outside my window I see my home, not a foreign country.
I am so fortunate to have been housed with so many amazing people in the hands down best country for studying abroad. I know the "goodbye" is only temporary for many, but never again will we be in an environment like this together. It's another chapter in life's story and I learned a lot from it. Thailand, and the memories created here, will always have a special place in my heart. #greenparkerforlife

Andrew:
My third time being emotional in my adult life was today and it is no surprise why it is so. It would not be right for this to be called "Green Park House" it was called "Home" for a reason. Coming to Thailand I did not know what to expect and thus my expectations were swept away each and every minute of each and every day. I have been trying to figure out if it was the places, the night life, the beaches, the scuba diving, or the culture that made this place so special to me. Then I realized that it has really not been any of that. It was sharing these experiences with some of the most talented, smart, and beautiful people I had ever encountered in my life. I feel today that I left home, but I know that I have not really left home and my home will be revisited when I come to meet up with each of those incredible people as my home was shared with each and everyone of them. Thailand you have my fascination, wonder, and amazing experience, but Green Park Home; you all have my heart. This is not good bye in any way, but rather see you later and a smile because we all know what happened. Mai ben rai my friends.. you have changed my life in ways I will never be able to fully explain to anyone. Until next time.. "see you later" .. oh shit..tearing up

As you can see, I live in a dorm that became my home with people that became my family. My last night in the dorm we ordered food, invited everyone over that was still around and, for the last time in Green Park, enjoyed each others company and reminisced about the semester. I don't know if this is how everyone feels about their study abroad experience, but I hope that they make similar friendships and tons of fond memories as I have here. This semester has changed my life, how I view the world, and helped me grow as an individual. I have these lovely people to thank.

So, thanks for the memories, guys. Reunion next year?