If I go
back one year to my first Thanksgiving, I can really tell how much I’ve
changed. It’s hard for me to put in words how thankful I am for my exchange
year and exactly what it has meant for me. It was a year full of challenges –
and I probably shouldn’t say this, because I don’t want to scare anyone away,
and I always try to encourage to go on exchange because I think in the end it’s
definitely worth it – but if I had known exactly how hard it would turn out, I’m
not sure I would have gone in the first place. I don’t regret going – not at
all. We grow through hardship. Moving around, having no less than three host
families made me doubt myself and question my actions and way of thoughts. It
was probably the most natural thing to do, but none the less, it’s not a very
pleasant feeling to have. I’m more independent now. I don’t care as uch for
people’s opinion anymore. Don’t get me wrong, but it just doesn’t affect my choices
much any longer. Being cool is just not that important. And if you don’t like
my friends, singing or colorful leggings, you know what? That’ your problem - not
mine. If you don’t accept me for who I am, I just don’t need your accept at
all. I’ve also changed in many other ways as well, like I’m more outgoing – and
as my mom would say, my music taste has gone quiet terrible, with all that
nigga-gangsta-music.
 |
| Cheers to new friends |
The most
amazing thing about going on exchange though, is that it’s not an adventure
that ends when you come home. I think of America daily and also it has brought
me many amazing friendships. This weekend, I volunteered on a weekend camp for
Danish students going on exchange next year. I had such a great time with the
other volunteers. It’s always nice seeing the ones you already know, but what
is really incredible, is how quick we all connect. You’re just instantly
friends.
The weekend
before, we actually did celebrate Thanksgiving. I really like being around
students from around the world that is staying in Denmark. It’s funny how they
can see from our society from another angle and I’m so impressed how much they
work to understand the culture and learn the language – even though it
sometimes come out a little funny. We’ll get back to that. So I had the
Thanksgiving, now I just need a black Friday! It’s like when you’ve been thankful
for all you have, you just feel the need to go buy some more stuff…
Wish y’all
a happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family!
Quote of the day:
Me and one of
the exchange students are playing draw something. I’ve drawn a stickperson and am
halfway through a bottle, when he guesses the word.
“Drunk! It’s a happy person and it’s a Dane. He
gotta be drunk.” Somebody
picked up on that Danish culture quickly ;-)
