After saying goodbye to my beloved "sister" Ida yesterday, I'm having a hard time realizing that it's my turn today. It's my turn to walk through security and tell my new life goodbye. Although I know my dear family will be waiting for me tomorrow evening in Copenhagen Airport, it's going to be a tough trip. Not only physically but possibly also mentally...
I hope to be accepted as the person I've become.
Vi ses derhjemme :)
fredag den 21. juni 2013
mandag den 17. juni 2013
YFU Essay Contest - Runner up!
One thing I've forgotten to share is my, almost victorious essay that I wrote for a contest where the 1st price was a trip to the west coast. Surprisingly enough my essay qualified as a runner up (one of the best 5) and I won a $50 giftcard! The assignment was to write about the best memory, a once-in-a-lifetime-moment or something important from ones year abroad. I chose to write about my swedish exchange sister Ida.
The Beauty of a (Swedish) Sister
Coming
from an ideal Danish family with a mother, father and an older brother, I have
always wanted a sister. Well who knew my wish was about to come true. With
excitement as well as anxiety running through my veins, I waved one last
goodbye to my dear ones and walked down the terminal. Leaving not only my
family but also my comfort zone behind, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to see
any of it again for the next 10 months, was a strange feeling. Filled with
euphoria with the thought of all the adventures waiting for me, I had not yet realized
what an enormous commitment this was…
Reflecting
back over the past 9 months, I am unable to point out my most favorite thing
about her. Is it the laughing out loud over the most random things? The several
talks about heaven and earth walking home from school? The impulsive
sleepovers? Or maybe even the annoying yet adorable farting noise she makes
with her mouth when she’s having trouble describing something? Nevertheless I
wouldn’t have endured this year as successfully as I did without her. An
exchange year is truly the best thing I have ever done. It’s no fairytale but a
tough, eye-opening, and rewarding experience that has made me proud to be the
person I am today.
“Change is the essence of life. Be
willing to surrender what you are, for what you could become.”
Only 5 days left!
I can't believe i'm already going home in 5 days! The time has gone by so fast and the thought of leaving my new life here in the US, makes me both sad and anxious at the same time.
Although nothing may have changed back home, I need to find my place as the new individual i have become. Sometimes I wonder if they will ever be able to understand me? What this year has involved? What realizations and changes i've gone through? And who I've become?
I hope to share my stories, as well as to help people understand this experience and maybe even enrich them with a different perspective of looking at things.
I've met great people, some who have become like a second family to me, and others have been super awesome friends. I have over anything found a best friend in my swedish sister Ida, whom I would not have gone through this year as successful without! I also gained new knowledge, experience incredible things, and visited places I never thought I'd see.
Beachhouse
Last weekend we went to the beach house in NC, sadly for the very last time. This time with Milla (the Finnish girl from last year, who is back visiting right now), Vinzenz (a german exchange student), and another Danish girl; Benedikte. We enjoyed some beach hours, the hot tub, food, movies, and each others company.
Last days of school
This past week was officially the last week of school. It was filled with exams, whereof I took three - nothing like the exams in Denmark though... :) I also had people sign my yearbook, took pictures and said my goodbyes to teachers and friends i knew i wouldn't be seeing again (very sad). Wednesday I went Cheesecake Factory with my area rep - one of my favorite restaurants here, and had Oreo cheesecake for dessert! mmm..
Graduation
Thursday was graduation for the senior class, which I went to see with some friends. The ceremony itself was less exciting but taking pictures afterwards was fun, except the heat! (36 C) Since I had been invited to my friend Courtney's graduation party I waited with another girl Bella who's mom was gonna pick us up from the convention center and take us there. There was lots of food and drinks at the party and it was great as long as it lasted.
The clock is ticking and I'm planning to get the last couple of things done this week. I am one suitcase down, but still far from ready. Wonder if I'll ever be ...
One thing is for sure; it's a bittersweet feeling :(:
Although nothing may have changed back home, I need to find my place as the new individual i have become. Sometimes I wonder if they will ever be able to understand me? What this year has involved? What realizations and changes i've gone through? And who I've become?
I hope to share my stories, as well as to help people understand this experience and maybe even enrich them with a different perspective of looking at things.
I've met great people, some who have become like a second family to me, and others have been super awesome friends. I have over anything found a best friend in my swedish sister Ida, whom I would not have gone through this year as successful without! I also gained new knowledge, experience incredible things, and visited places I never thought I'd see.
Beachhouse
Last weekend we went to the beach house in NC, sadly for the very last time. This time with Milla (the Finnish girl from last year, who is back visiting right now), Vinzenz (a german exchange student), and another Danish girl; Benedikte. We enjoyed some beach hours, the hot tub, food, movies, and each others company.
Last days of school
This past week was officially the last week of school. It was filled with exams, whereof I took three - nothing like the exams in Denmark though... :) I also had people sign my yearbook, took pictures and said my goodbyes to teachers and friends i knew i wouldn't be seeing again (very sad). Wednesday I went Cheesecake Factory with my area rep - one of my favorite restaurants here, and had Oreo cheesecake for dessert! mmm..
Graduation
Thursday was graduation for the senior class, which I went to see with some friends. The ceremony itself was less exciting but taking pictures afterwards was fun, except the heat! (36 C) Since I had been invited to my friend Courtney's graduation party I waited with another girl Bella who's mom was gonna pick us up from the convention center and take us there. There was lots of food and drinks at the party and it was great as long as it lasted.
 |
| We just wanted to see how it felt to wear the cap & gown, since they wouldn't let us graduate for real.. |
This weekend I went to a pool party, an amusement theme park in Williamsburg called "Busch Gardens," and celebrated Father's Day sunday with the whole family gathered.
One thing is for sure; it's a bittersweet feeling :(:
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