Sara Takes England: January 2013

So, now that I have been back home for over a month, it is easy to reflect upon my time abroad, and realize what I learned from the experience, and what will stay with me. I cannot stress how happy I am that I decided to study abroad. I realize now how true it is that sometimes the best things in life come out of the worst of times. I was devastated when I found out I wouldn't be playing hockey anymore, but little did I know...that was such a blessing! I never would have been able to have had this amazing experience otherwise.
Hopefully I will always remember this idea for the rest of my life and know that when one door closes, another is sure to open!

I miss being abroad, but I also truly love being home and being at St. Mike's so I cannot complain :) I'm happy that I had something to miss while I was abroad, and I felt lucky to have such an amazing support system back home in my friends and my family. I miss traveling every weekend and having people be fascinated by me and my accent (ha!) I miss the friends that I made, and my students at WASPS. I miss being able to walk everywhere and anywhere, and the laid-back attitude towards drinking and socializing (though I am now 21, thank goodness!). BUT, all good things must come to an end. My time abroad was like a never-ending vacation, and we all know that feeling we get when it is time to leave the vacation and just be home. 4 months in England was the perfect time, and I am not sad because I know I will be back someday. And now I will have some English friends to stay with!

My time abroad has inspired me to want to travel more and move away after college. Not to get away from anything...just to try something new. I conquered leaving home for college, then I conquered leaving the country for a few months. Now, I need to keep challenging myself because I know I can do it, thanks to this semester. I hope to keep experiencing new things that bring me out of my comfort zone, because you never know what you'll find.

I am back to real classes and a packed schedule of class time, homework, work study, and student teaching placements. All of this is worth the time abroad, though! Not much has changed here except my living situation (which I love!), the annoying construction on campus (which I hate), and the fact that my little brother is now on campus! Which I must say...is the best part of coming back. Aside from, again, finally being 21 and legal!

I want to wrap up this blog by saying Thank You to the two most important people in my life...my Mom and Dad. I couldn't have done this without you, and I am so lucky and blessed to have you as my parents! Thank you for supporting me throughout the whole semester, and putting on a brave face for me even though I know I worried you to death the entire time! I love you!!