Learning,,,

A lot of people told me that studying abroad would be a learning experience- not only academically and culturally, but personally. They were right. Many of the experiences Ive had here so far have really taught me alot about my capabilities, my relationships with others, my indpenedence, etc. The situations Ive been in have forced me to grow and mature as a person. Its been hard being so far away from home. Ive always gotten homesick and that hasnt changed here. Yet its not so easy to call home when things to wrong from the other side of the world. Everywhere else Ive ever traveled Ive had the opportunity to call my parents if I wanted to, and never thought twice about it. But a few times here Ive desperately wanted to, but looked at the clock and knew theyd be sleeping. I had to make a choice, and I decided to work through whatever the problem was on my own- something Ive never really done before. Ive felt alot more independent in that sense.

I never thought I could have a worse job than the one I had cleaning houses in high school- but my banquets rotation is it. Unpaid slave labor is what I like to call it. And working with dumb, lazy people who see a new girl and decide to boss her around as much as possible really has tightened my nerves. On top of that, my shoulder has been killing me. So the other day, when a dishwasher flipped out on me for putting dishes on the wrong rack, I almost walked out. But I knew I had a choice, and I mustered up all my maturity and kept going. These internships have really taught me how to ignore people and not them effect me.
Its also been a great opportunity to reexamine a lot of my friendships. Being on the other side of the world really shows you cares. With only 3 semesters left in college, I dont have much interest in people who dont take the time to keep in touch, becuase I know the friendship will end as soon as we graduate. Some people have sent emails, messaged me, etc, others havent. Some people have surprised me, some havent. Either way, Im learning who is true and who isnt.

Speaking of relationships, my bond with Anthony has only gotten stronger here. Im starting to realize how nice it is to be best friends with your boyfriend. I really dont know what I would have done here without him. Being on the other side of the world with a person really teaches you about them, and everything Ive learned about Anthony has been amazing. If we can get through the experiences weve gone though in the past 6 months, we can get through anything.

On a more personal note, for the first time in my life Ive been a victim of Anti- Semitism. It is an intersting feeling, not one that I would reccommend, but it has certainly opened my eyes alittle to the world around me. I guess I never realized that there are people out there who still hate Jews. Not sure why, but they do. Anyways, its only made me that more committed to my religion, its culture and people. And has been a reminder to not make judgements, something that is an easy trap to fall into in a foreign country.
Hope everyone is well. Miss you!