First 5 are the things I am most proud of. Last 3 are areas on where I can improve the most.
1.language advancement
- For only having been submerced in spanish for about 4 months, my spanish is wonderful! I am always having natives compliment me on how well I speak, especially for how little time I have been here. It is hard to think in english these days, and sometimes I can´t remember english words. I speak "spanglish" often, and my english has gotten so much worse. Good right? hahah.
2. understanding
- I had to go through a lot of cultural understanding involving my family, specifically my mother. It came at me so fast that I was shocked when confronted with it. It never feels good to feel like someone who you trusted and loved so much is attacking you out of the blue. That being said, I took it all in stride, and changed myself without question instead of arguing. I feel that even if my family here does not recognize the strides I have been taking I know I have tried my best to continue to understand the culture here and acostome myself to it. Aside from my family here, and the natives, I have also learned from the other 14 exchange students here from all around the world. Having conversations about the differences in culture from their countries to Argentina, and from my country to theirs. Understanding other cultures and understanding how they perceive mine has played a large role in my personal growth so far, and I´m very proud of that.
3. keeping busy
-Ever since I have arrived here I have tried to get involved in whatever activities possible. Whether it was hanging out with new people, going to new places, trying new things, or joining clubs. I have not had many dull moments in my stay here,and most of the thanks goes to my family for helping find things to do. They have been great with helping me find places to go , and explaining what I need to do to get there. Keeping busy has not only stolen away from any sort of missing home, but also provided new outlooks on the culture, and last but not least KEPT ME BUSY!
4. making friends
- There isn´t much more to this than just actually making friends, but I can explain how I have done it. My classmates are wonderful, and they enjoy me as much as I enjoy them. They introduce me to others in our school which leads to them introducing me to their friends and so on.
Meeting new people on Facebook. Facebook has been an amazing tool for meeting new people and scheduling things to do. I have met at least 20 new people through Facebook that I didnt know before hand, but then meet up with at some point. Last but not least, parties. It may sound bad, but when going out on the weekends and dancing with new people, friends become easy to make. I have so many friends here, and am going to remember each individual impact they had on me.
5.growing as a person
- I believe all the above describes why I feel this way. My dad, sister, and mother in the U.S have told me they see positive changes in me even through skype! I can tell I am changing even though I am not always sure in which specific areas. I am excited to show everyone who I have become when I get back!
3 areas for improvement:
1.Asking questions
-I plan to continue to take caution with everything I do as long as I am in a foreign atmosphere, especially by asking questions about how even the most simple task is done. By continuing to be proactive like this I will preemptively avoid many possible confrontations in the future.
2.Thinking about the perspective of others first
-I have to continualy remind myself that not even the smallest things are the same as I am used to.When I stop and think about how it may come across in another culture, I am 2 times more likely to ask a question. I will continualy keep in mind this step in order to flow smoothly for the rest of my time here and to make the best impression possible through understanding.
3.Language
- ALWAYS ask questions and not be afraid to try and speak. I haven´t had any issue with this, yet I want to become completely fluent by the end of my voyage, so must work hard at this!
Today's blog post was brought to you by the letter z and the number 14.
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