I'm still trying to grasp this idea of studying abroad. I'm in a different place. I've never been to France before. I know nothing about the food, clothes, traditions, language, or the fromage. But for some reason, I feel is OK. I hate it. I didn't come to France to have an OK year. In a way, I came to France to scare myself. The old me was too comfortable. I was one of the only girls of color at my rich, preparatory boarding school. I spent last summer camping and climbing mountains at more than 11,000 vertical feet. I always strived to challenge myself, but somehow I always ended up the same...comfortable. I don't how it happens and if it was my own doing. I never tried to fit in, in fact I always tried to stand out. This year, however, I will be doing the opposite. I am trying to fit in to a new world and new culture. It's actually really hard to do this. I'm not used to it. To fit-in means to observe the culture of the majority and to seamlessly imitate them. I could stick to what I know and stand out as the American. But I won't be doing that anymore. Say hello to a new A!
|
AuthorHello! My name is A. I am 16 years old minus a few months but more importantly I am about to spend the next year in France! ArchivesCategories |