As most of you are well aware, I have been home for almost a month now. My final days in Copenhagen were jammed packed. I tried to experience all the little things that I failed to get to during my earlier days in the marvelous country, I still consider home. I spent times with my close friends, walked around the beautiful city after class, and tried to spend as much time as possible with the Klausens. However, one thing I learned through my experience is that---time comes and goes. I felt like just yesterday I was dropped off in this foreign country where everyone is considered to be happy (which is so true), and now I feel as if I am a stranger to my own home country.
Saying goodbye to the Klausens was very challenging to me. Although I did not shed a tear when saying goodbye, which I am very proud of, the minute I handed my ticket and boarded the plane, the tears began to flow. I was so confused as to how the time went so quickly and how much I feared that my experiences would all be just a blurred memory years from now.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to see my family. I forgot the comfort of my bathroom, how beautiful Lake Charlevoix is, how I missed the Bistro, and the love from my friends. I had trouble adjusting the first couple of weeks. I didn’t talk very much at dinner, which you all know is very unlike me. I wasn’t use to the English chatter and the fast meals. I talked to my friends from Denmark all the time and had conversations for hours about “remember when…” It wasn’t until I received a brochure from Dickinson that I realized I was experiencing “reverse culture shock”. The brochure explained the reasons for why I was having trouble speaking about my time in Denmark, the fast-pace of America, the longing for a foreign culture, and the indepedence of a student studying aborad. Within my experience of reverse culture shock, I found it to be the most challenging when talking about Denmark. I had such a life changing experience that talking about it, and currently writing about it, does not present the justice it should. However, I do understand now that my experience is just for me. My time and personal growth in Denmark is something that I will hold very close to my heart forever. I may not be able to explain to you exactly what I mean or how I felt, but I will be able to get this point across-- Denmark is truly sensational and has opened my eyes to people, food, challenges, emotions, and maturity.
Denmark has helped me understand how important it is to be open-minded. I have learned the beauty of laughter and the essence of happiness. I have learned to conquer heart break and challenges that post obstacles in front of my ambitions. I have also learned the brilliance of unfamiliar and foreign.
But most importantly, I have learned who I am.
I will be forever grateful for this opportunity from my parents. Thank you Mom and Dad for this wonderful gift and the faith you have had in me to spend a semester away. I want to thank all of my wonderful friends and family members who have helped me along this journey. Thank you to all of my readers for sharing this journey alongside me.
Thanks for your love and time.
Love you dearly,
Me
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