One More Chapter
A twenty two year-old's view on life, death,
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
My last blog post was written in an airplane on the way back to the United States all about what my experience studying abroad had given me. In it I mentioned that it gave me a new perspective on things. And I said nothing else. Well, this post is to explain that statement. When I said that I had a "new perspective" I meant on two particular things: my college and my country. My Country When I left the United States for France it was safe to say that I was less than Patriotic. The only time I really expressed any love for the US was when I was tailgating and singing along to some extremely patriotic song lyrics at country concerts in the summer. And even then it was more for the tradition of it all. I have always been one of those people who just can't help but see all the bad things about our country. I felt that we were often ignorant towards the rest of the world and other cultures, obnoxious, unhealthy, obsessed with technology, self-centered, overly fast-paced and just generally hated by the rest of the world. Turns out, leaving the place you've grown up in and spent your entire life for months on end can cause an extreme case of homesickness. And this homesickness can lead to a very real appreciation of the place you call home. It wasn't until I was missing all of it's wonder and beauty and consistently explaining what life in the U.S. was like to the Europeans that I really appreciated how amazing of a country it is we reside in. The United States is truly a place unlike any other. Sure, we are practically an infant in comparison to the countries of Europe and Asia and, sure, we tend to be a bit obnoxious with our American pride. But why shouldn't we be?! We contain some of the most amazing geographic locations, we are full of people chasing their dreams and you can drive to any state you want and witness a completely different way of life while still remaining in your own country. I'm not kidding when I say that Europeans - especially those who haven't been to America - are completely enraptured with The United States. And, not to mention, our country is ENORMOUS. The state of Texas is bigger than most countries. You can go on a life changing journey from coast to coast and not even have to leave the comfort of your own country. I think it's safe to say that upon coming back to the United States last week, I was a changed woman. I love our country inside and out. Yes, we have flaws, but I think going abroad for months and months will allow you to realize that all countries have flaws. And I mean a lot of flaws. And for the enormity of the United States, I'd say we're doing pretty good. My College So, I'd say that the way my perspective changed on my school was very similar to the way it changed on our country. Though when I left I can't say I didn't like Umass. I love Umass and I always have, but I was never a die hard "Go Umass" type of student (which we certainly do not have a shortage of over at the zoo). People who attend Umass Amherst are so freaking in love with their University it's scary. I never really understood this. I mean, I liked how much diversity there was. I could literally take a class in anything I wanted to. I could easily meet and make new friends because there are just so many people that it's actually impossible not to find people you like or people who merely share the same interests as you. People are generally all pretty cool there too. I also never have issues with food since we've pretty much got the best food in the entire country and there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for that miracle. Without a doubt, Umass is a great school. But there was always something missing for me. I couldn't figure out why people were just so overy obsessed. It's good, yeah, but I don't know if it was great. Now I get it. Having to attend a university in Paris puts it all in perspective for you. In Europe (excluding the U.K. who have a similar University construction to us) there is not really "college". You finish their equivalent of high school then people generally will go out in the world and begin working and building a family. Some people though do decide to continue on with their education. For these people, they don't live on campus and they don't have meal plans or anything. There really isn't actual campuses. Most of the time it's just a cluster of a few buildings. People don't identify themselves as "ICP students" or "Sorbonne students". It's just not the same. It's more like everyone is just taking classes at these schools while continuing their life as usual. And the fees are sickeningly low. A year of college in Paris is about $1,000 for a student. (For me it was much much more expensive as I was still paying for housing, food, program excursions, etc.) While I was taking classes in France I began to realize that I was really missing Umass. I missed the way everyone was living together, walking to classes together, eating together, etc. I missed the feeling of community and the way that everyone was happy to be at the University. I missed the way that everyone would walk around in their Umass gear 24/7. I'm not exaggerating, if you weren't sporting at least one item of clothing or at least one accessory with the Umass logo, you'd get weird looks. I missed being on a college campus. There is no denying that Umass Amherst really is a community and really is a network. No matter where you go in, what I think is safe to say, the entire world, you'll find someone that goes to Umass or that knows someone who went to Umass. It's crazy. And I love it. I may be spending several semesters away from Amherst and taking a break to hike across the country, but don't be fooled: I love my school. I love Umass Amherst. Everyone should go. It's awesome. Coming back last Wednesday was one of the strangest feelings, but I have never been happier to be in this wonderful country and now I have the itch to travel to every state, to really know my country and to really appreciate it for all it is. But, there is no doubt, I am a New Englander through and through and I think that if there is anything that studying abroad has given me, it's an even deeper adoration of how amazing our little section of the United States really is. Thanks for reading, Amanda Lucille Song of the Day"Bottom of the River" by Delta Rae (Thanks Victoria!)
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About This Blog:I started this blog as a way to challenge myself to write more over the 2014 year, but it has blossomed into so much more than that. I use it to let people in on what's happening in my life, talk about things I find important and to spread the news about amazing people, places and art. Archives
November 2017
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