Tschüss Deutschland, Howdy College Station!

Facing the beginning of an exciting and hectic fall semester, it is hard to believe that the last time I was in a classroom I was at the AIB in Bonn, Germany. On the one hand I feel like just yesterday I was sitting amongst my luggage, writing my first blog post and mentally preparing for my ten hour flight the following morning. On the other hand I feel like so much has happened and changed since then, it’s almost as if that were years ago, not three months ago. Regardless of the time that has passed, I am still blown away by how truly impactful those six weeks were on me as a person and on my perception of the world. 

Looking back at the very beginning, my first blog might have given the impression that I was an experienced traveler and knew how the next few weeks were going to play out. The truth is that my “only” expectation of adjustment was about to encompass every aspect of my daily life and bring to light other expectations that I never knew I had or was initially too scared to admit to myself. From the language barrier to the lack of air-conditioning and extreme reliance on walking and/or public transportation, I don’t think I realized how much of an adjustment there would be. My day to day life looked drastically different than when I was home. I was walking sometimes ten miles a day, getting very little sleep thanks to the heat wave, and feeling helpless in the face of the difficult German language. Within the first week I distinctly remember thinking, “what have I gotten myself into?” It was challenging and often times uncomfortable, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Sometimes in life we have to be challenged and uncomfortable in order to grow and I think that’s exactly what happened. Through the discomfort I learned to lean on the people around me, and as a result several of us became closer in six weeks than I am with some friends I’ve known for months or years. By confiding in each other we were no longer facing the unknowns of the summer as individuals but as a group, and we were able to laugh at the misfortunes of late trains, cancelled flights, bruised toes, and mysteriously swollen ankles. In all I think this focus on community is one of the biggest lessons I took from my time abroad, and is something that I’m striving to implement now that I am back home. For example, most of us didn’t have international phone plans to waste on Instagram and snapchat the moment we sat down at dinner or to texting others when we were on the bus ride home. Instead, we looked each other in the eyes and had real conversations about our hopes, dreams, thoughts, beliefs, etc. and really got to know each other. It made me realize just how much I don’t like social media and the way it diminishes conversation, popularizes comparison, and controls “free” time, and how much I long for genuine conversation. Consequently, I have deleted most social media apps from my phone in an attempt to focus more on the people around me and building those relationships, just as I did in Europe. 

As for those friendships built in Europe, I am so beyond grateful for the impact they had on my time abroad, making every day in class and every weekend trip more exciting and memorable than the next. It doesn't stop there though. I am beyond excited for us all to be back in College Station and able to spend more time together! The continuity that is made possible by us all coming back to the same place makes Texas A&M feel even more like home. It's amazing how small a school of nearly 70,000 students can seem when you see people you know in class, eating at Sonic, ordering your Aggie Rings (another benefit of the hours taken this summer), standing in line for the football game - basically everywhere. I just still can’t believe I got to spend my summer traveling to eight different European countries and meeting some of the most fun, intelligent, and caring people, but I am so thankful for every second of the journey and every lesson learned along the way. 

Oktoberfest won't be the same...

   Before this year, I never imagined that my summer would go the way it did. I never thought that, while I undoubtably wanted to study abroad, that it would be this summer. This summer changed my life in so many amazing ways. Since getting back to the United States, I have really had a hard time describing what this experience meant to me aside from being "the most amazing experience of my life". Yes, getting to interact with the culture was amazing. Yes, getting to see the amazing beauty of Germany and the other countries I visited was a one in a lifetime experience. But the trip was so much more than that. 

   This summer along with Germany, I went to Belgium, Spain, The Netherlands, Austria, Italy, England, and Ireland. Each country brought new experiences and new friendships that formed into amazing bonds. Going into this trip I did not know anybody. It was something that I was going to do all on my own and at first I was very nervous about that. As time went on I could feel myself becoming significantly more confident in myself. I was confident in how to get around a foreign country where I barely knew the language. This created a confidence in myself that I know I didn't have before going on this study abroad. Coming home I had friends and family members noticing this confidence in me that wasn't there before. 

   After the program was over, I went with my host family to Munich. This was another amazing experience that furthers the bond that I had with them. I think one of the biggest parts of my "Hero's Journey" was going to London and Dublin by myself when the program ended. Not only did this build the confidence I had in myself, but I know I am significantly more independent since then. I mean, I made it to each place, figured out my own schedules, managed the public transportation systems, dealt with a flight cancellation, and made it home safely all on my own. It was truly an amazing experience that I still to this day cannot believe I did. 

   Going into this experience I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. It truly turned out to be the most amazing adventure of my life. One of the most unique things about being in Germany was learning about all of the history there in the country. I have never in my life been so interested in learning history. I often found myself asking questions that I normally wouldn't have asked in the States. I have always had a passion for learning, but being in Europe fueled that passion. 

   At the end of it all, I cannot wait to return to Europe. I loved being there and am keeping close contact with my host family to someday return. I am so happy to have met the people I did and the close friendships that have formed from that. Every day since I have been back I have thought about my experiences in Europe and the bonds that were formed over there.

Bonn, The College Station of Germany

Unlike most, after Berlin my parents flew in and we went to so many different places. Krakow, Athens, Bucharest, Rome, Geneva, Interlaken/Jungfrau and Annency, France. Even though I was having a fantastic time, I really missed everyone! I wish I would have been able to share all of those places with the people I became super close to in our 6 weeks. Flying out of Berlin, I had to catch a connecting flight through London. After missing my flight, crying to the ticket lady to get me another ticket and having to find the gate in Heathrow on my own, I finally made it back to Texas. I was really upset I had to fly into DFW because let's face it, Houston is better. ;)

Being home the last few weeks has been interesting. I really miss the cheap food trucks and Vapiano (even if I ate there in Chicago last week). I miss seeing everyone everyday and being able to walk places and not actually melt. I've also really been able to reflect on myself too. One thing I really learned is that no matter how much planning you do, something will probably go wrong. The countless times our travel was cancelled, rerouted, or delayed even with the extensive planning was very helpful in that. I also learned to really appreciate the times you have with people and that the dumbest things make the best memories. I probably won't remember riding the tram everyday after awhile, but I'll remember running in a full sprint under the train rails with Jen so we wouldn't be late or the music/dance party (Mom, its your birthday) with Catherine. Also, the countless times we ate McDonalds and were genuinely excited? I think Stone and I cried when we paid $3 for a meal in Ljubljana.

Its also been really cool running into people from the trip on campus. I've probably seen some of these people numerous times and had no idea who they were, but now im seeing people everywhere. Its been nice always having someone to talk to on the bus or in class. (if I haven't ran into you yet thats sad so can we please hang out?)  I'm so thankful for all of you!!! Also, Henning and Alexa I miss you dearly. Alexa, come back to college station!! Henning, if you're ever in Texas I think I speak for everyone when I say we want to see you!!!

This trip highly exceeded my expectations. I really expected to only learn about medicine. Even though that was appealing at first, I'm so glad we had the opportunity to learn about other things! Being able to go to the German History Museum in Bonn or the Bee Keeping day in Berlin may have seemed really trivial then, but it was awesome to learn things from some of the most knowledgeable people. I don't think anything will ever be able to replace all the great moments that happened on this trip. Even the ones I wasn't so excited about at first.

I've also come to realize that Bonn was definitely the college station of Germany. At least to me. I ate at the same restaurants and didn't stray after awhile. It was all college students and it was way more homey than I think any of us realized it would be.

While my undergrad study abroad experiences are sadly over (8 months until graduation!!) Im really looking forward to bringing the ease of German life back to America. I might take the long way to class to get my steps in, or maybe make schnitzel from time to time now. This isn't goodbye, because ill definitely be back Bonn!!!

Prospective students. Don't under estimate the power of studying abroad. This is my second trip and I still feel extremely changed and thankful for the different experience. It might be scary, but it's worth it!! Get on that plane and see yourself truly change for the best!!!

Don't Cry Because It's Over. Smile Because it Happened.

Disclaimer: I am crying because it's over, while smiling because it happened. I really don't know how I can wrap up this summer in one single blog post. This summer was truly the best I have ever had. I experienced something new every day and I met some of the most incredible people. Germany History of Medicine will forever live on in my head and my heart. Here is my Top 10 Reasons for Loving my Study Abroad. 

10. Cultural Exchange. Having the opportunity to live in a host family in an immersive experience made this program truly unique. From the welcome barbecue to simple conversations with my host mom, I will cherish the time I spent on Alice-Salomon Strasse dearly.

9. Public Transportation. Shout out to the 603 for carrying me throughout Bonn. From the bustling Paris metro to the small bus system in Interlaken, accessible public transportation has been missed in my 52 days since returning from Europe. I still have my two Bonn bus passes in my wallet as a memory of my travels. The Aggie Spirit just isn't the same. 

8. The Cuisine. Although I eventually grew tired of bread (I never thought I'd say that), Europe offered a much more varied food scene than I would've thought. Vapiano treated me more than well, and I even had sushi as my first lunch in Bonn. Experiencing different cultures through their food was most highlighted in Spain. Biiiig shoutout to Megyn for showing us the best Barcelona had to offer. 

7. SEVEN. (Sorry for the shameless inside joke. ) This encompasses the friendships I made on this trip. I have never been around such a fun, loving, intentional group of people in my life. I mentioned it earlier, but these friends I made will last a lifetime. I have new people to sit with in classes, run into at tailgates, and talk about our experience without worry of annoying my other friends. These people just get it. They know the importance of studying abroad, and the transformations that we went through. Cologne Stone is ready for a reunion!!!

6. The Classes. For the first time in my college career, I was taking classes that were taught by engaging professors with equally engaging course material. History of Medicine was very interesting, and Dr. Wasser's knowledge seemed unending. I will never know how he keeps that information straight in his mind. Also, only he could sing the Dies Irae in the middle of a museum in Bingen, Germany. Special Topics in Pharmacology was something I did not expect to enjoy so much. Dr. Fajt easily kept the class enjoyable, and those discussions led me to explore more about the field of drug policy, regulation, and development. 

5. Travel. This could easily be the best part of my study abroad. Having travel excursions built in to the program and free travel weekends every weekend, enforced what I was learning in the classroom and allowed me to see parts of Europe I had only ever dreamed of. Bingen, Norderney, Vienna, and Berlin were all included in the program, and allowed us to examine medical history in the places that the events and advancements occurred. Paris, Barcelona, Brussels, Interlaken, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Luxembourg were all places I was able to go to during my weekend trips. I grew closer with friends while seeing some of the most famous landmarks in the world. 

4. Alexa and Henning. These two deserve a shoutout. To Alexa, thank you for our bar talks during World Cup games. Thank you for sharing all of your experiences and treating all of us with respect and like life-long friends. To Henning, thank you for keeping things light when plans changed, and thank you for always finding humor, even with us Texans. 

3. Bonn. My home away from home. I have so many memories that are strictly tied to Bonn, and I can't imagine my experience being anywhere else. I got to see a golden retriever on my daily commute, and I really got a feel for what Bonn was about. The locals were extremely kind, even when I only knew two german phrases. Deutsche ist keine probleme fur miche! Eine bier bitte! Thank you to the AIB for giving me a second home, 5000 miles away from Texas. 

2. My Parents. Thank you for continuing to invest in my education. Y'all gave me the best experience of my life, and I will be forever grateful for that. Y'all have been unendingly supportive, even when I am not always the most appreciative. Just know I will never forget all that y'all have given me. 

1. The Hero's Journey. Now that I am being reflective, I can truly thank Dr. Wasser for stressing the archetypal Hero's Journey throughout this study abroad. I saw transformations within myself upon arrival in Frankfurt International Airport. For the first time, my independence was truly tested. My family wasn't just a phone call away, and that worried me. I have always been a homebody, but the travel and learning kept me yearning for more, while not worrying about not being at home. I had to make decisions for myself, wake up on my own at ungodly hours (whoop to not missing the train to Norderney), and communicate with others that don't speak my own language. I am sure the growth will not stop now that I am away from Europe, and I am sure some impacts form this trip have yet to be seen. 

0. Prospective Students. Go. Take the leap. Answer the call to action. You will have 0 regrets. You will see unimaginable things, make unforgettable memories, and meet some amazing people. 

Go abroad. Change your life. This is Stone Kinsey, signing off. 

Final Reflection

     Coming back to the United States after being abroad for any longer than I had ever been, was comforting but I also missed being able to travel to a different country every weekend and experience things I would never be able to here.  Now that school has started and I’m seeing all my friends, I haven’t been able to stop sharing stories from abroad.  Although my friend’s are intrigued in also having a similar experience and studying abroad, they are getting pretty annoyed with all the stories.  Thinking back on the Hero’s Journey speech, I realize that I’ve returned with my boon.  It required that I broaden my horizons, break out of my shell of comfort, and embrace all that came my way.  This wasn’t easy but had to be done quickly upon arrival if I was to be open to accepting my boon.  Along the way, I learned a lot about myself, about traveling, about the history of medicine, the history of the beautiful countries we visited, and gained some pretty amazing friends.  Adapting to the European way of life took about a week but once I got used to the 1ft by 1ft showers, learned the train schedule and what später meant, where to get the cheapest lunches and best gelato, the exact price for two scoops of gelato at the afore mentioned place, and embraced the permanent presence of a light layer of sweat all over, I realized it was a life I could get used to.

     Upon returning this summer, I took a POLS class.  This really made me compare the government of the U.S. with those of European countries.  I was especially able to better understand taxes in the U.S. and in Germany because of the lecture in HoM relating to healthcare.  The culture differences between the two countries also became more prominent.  Germans are wonderful people but if they don’t know you, they aren’t going to be the most affectionate.  The day after returning home, I had to drive back to College Station in order to start my POLS class.  My parents and I went out to dinner and as soon as the hostess and waitress said “Howdy!” I realized that Americans are such nice, comforting people.  Or maybe that’s just in College Station.  I also missed being able to just hop on a train and be home at any time of the day.  I realized that I preferred this to driving myself around because with the way people drive in College Station, it’s a much safer option.  The thing I miss the most are the gelato and pastry shops at every corner.  Granted I did lose twenty pounds once I had been in the US for three weeks because I didn’t have easy access to those things.

My expectations for this trip and these classes were well beyond satisfied.  Learning about the history of medicine was really interesting to me because medicine is a topic that I’m truly intrigued by, therefore wanting to go to medical school to learn more about it.  Taking this course excited me for the future, it made me a little less scared to pursue a career that so many say is challenging and instead motivated me to put all my effort into these last two years.  I am extremely grateful for the experience that I was able to partake in and all the lasting memories it has given me.  It is truly something that I will never forget and will be recommending to Aggies for years to come.

Our first cuddle puddle on the first weekend

Us on the first week of school having dinner in College Station (Sarah is taking the pic)

Hopped Off The Plane At DFW

I’m emotional just typing this blog. After this, the program is officially over and the grades are set in stone. The only thing that will associate me with the Germany History of Medicine Summer 2018 trip are the pictures as a tangible reminder of the countless fond memories that were made within our group while studying abroad.

Thank you to the wonderful AIB staff for accommodating our stay while in Bonn. We had the best program coordinator, Henning, who gave us a real experience of German culture and protected us along every step of the way. Our amazing TA was Alexa, and we could not of have a better TA. She is especially the perfect TA for a study abroad because not only is she responsible and approachable, but she is the perfect mixture of fun and spontaneous as well. Thank you to all of our professors: Hilda, Dr. Fajt, and Dr. Wasser. Each of our professors brought different qualities to the trip that made our experiences unforgettable. My favorite memories of them include our class lunch with Hilda, the picnic dinner when Dr. Fajt was at our table, and seeing Dr. Wasser in his element at the Badehaus in Norderney, along with so many more memories. They each taught me so much about themselves and their field of study, and just fully engulfed themselves in the program. Every one of the staff members was so generous, welcoming, and left a mark on my life that I can carry on forever.

It was the trip of a lifetime. I learned so much about the history of medicine (in Germany specifically), pharmacology, the German language, and the overall culture that the Europeans are so proud of (and rightly so). But, what I learned about myself tops everything. I really dug deeper into my future career goals/path. I realized that as much as I appreciate surgery and our advancements with it, I do not see myself being a surgeon. Over the past month or so, I really thought about my hero’s journey. In the span of my life, I see this journey as only a blink of an eye, but the life lessons I brought home with me are embedded in my soul. I reach out to my family and loved ones way more, and I prioritize the things that make me feel successful in life. I have learned that home is way more than just a place. Home is the people you love and cherish. The people I met along this trip made Germany my home for 6 whole weeks, but when my journey was over, it was time to come back to this home that was waiting for me. I am forever grateful to have many homes because of the people that have been placed in my life. I am convinced that if you do not come back from your study abroad with more homes than when you left, you did not fully immerse yourself into everything study abroad has to offer.
Lastly thank you to my family and friends. Thank you to my parents for the emotional and financial support, I love you both so much. Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers sent out to me while I was abroad, and welcoming me back home with open arms and open ears to hear about the summer I’ll never forget.

The Best Experience of my whole life - truly

Well as I sit down to write this post, my eyes are full of tears and I am extremely emotional. Not sure how I am going to make it through this one! How has it been six weeks since returning from the most transformative experience of my entire life?? Since returning so many people have approached me and asked about the program, what I learned, the fun that I had and every single time someone asks for a quick run-down of what I experienced I am always at a loss for words. It’s a very difficult task to quickly sum up the best six weeks of your life into a brief anecdote amidst small talk. So, I usually just reply with “I truly don’t have words for how wonderful it was – if you ever want to grab lunch I could talk your ears off for hours and then I’ll be able to fully dive in.” Most people politely nod, and smile and I am okay with that because if prompted/allowed I really would talk for hours. My friends I made on this study abroad program know better than anyone that I never really shut up. (Have I mentioned how grateful I am for the friendships made?! Ill dive into that later.)

Ever since the program ended, I feel as if I truly am a different person. Everyone always jokes about how study abroad students claim to be “forever changed” yet that cliché statement could not be truer. There really is nothing like hopping on a plane to a foreign country with not a single familiar face and fully immersing yourself into another culture to change the path of your life forever. The hero’s journey could not be more real. From living with my dear host family (Shoutout to Judith and Petra you guys are the absolute best) to jumping on planes, trains, etc. to 10 different countries and lacking any normal sleep schedule, I was challenged in ways I never thought possible. It was trying, exciting, and fun in all the best ways. I learned about patience, had the most meaningful conversations, laughed until my stomach hurt, and truly believe that we were all living life to the fullest during those six weeks. On the topic of meaningful conversation and interaction, I could not have been luckier to experience it all with the other 28 students. Each and every individual on this program has something so special to offer and the group was way more amazing than I ever could have hoped for. I feel so lucky to now get to continue these friendships back home in good ole’ College Station. Wine night soon at my house!! On a more serious note, I gained a zest for education that I never knew possible all thanks to Dr. Wasser and Dr. Fajt. The programming led me to be physically and emotionally immersed in my learning which is something I had never previously experienced. I so badly wish I could join this upcoming spring on the Biosciences semester. Learning in College Station now seems a little bleak in contrast to being led around Vienna by Dr. Schnabel while being given plague remedies in an attempt to grasp the effects of the Black Plague. This entire experience was just the best reminder of how small we are in this world and how much culture and education is out there for us to experience. In reflecting on the person I was before the program and am now, I feel more open minded, independent, and aware of my humanity. I cannot wait for more experiences in the future and hopefully to one day soon go back to Europe and dive even deeper into its beautiful history, people, and culture. The action of taking the leap in deciding to go on this program educates you in ways you never thought but you also then are led to knowing a whole new life and fun that is unimaginable. I am forever grateful for you TAMU History of Medicine Program!

Mit all meiner Liebe,

Catherine

P.S. If you are a prospective student reading this – just take the leap and GO! You will never regret it and you will have the coolest new friends all around the world. We miss you Henning and Alexa!! 

I found a German in HEB

Beethoven in the street art collection in Bonn

Here's something hilarious. My very first class on the very first day of school was Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsal. I was ecstatic to finally be back playing after experiencing the String Quartet concert in Vienna and visiting Beethoven's childhood home in Bonn- both of which were deep experiences for me. One of the most beautiful pieces we are playing is a Schubert piece, he was of course German. It made me so happy to see the subtitles and tempo markings in German, but the best of all was how we were being conducted. Our conductor shared some context for the piece, lifted the baton, we got ready to play, and then he goes, in a VERY sassy American accent "eins zwei drei" and I just about lost it. We were only sight-reading quarter notes, but because I couldn't stop laughing I butchered the first five measures. Henning would have probably peed himself, and I could see Hilde shaking her head while simultaneously ordering "eins bier bite." It was awesome. The Germans had the best music back then, and still do...especially those drummers I guess.

Die Beethoven haus

My very last memory in Bonn was when I spent the afternoon walking around the market and streets reminiscing, getting that last Karottenbrot und milchkaffe from the bakery, and walking along the Rhein. Smelling the flowers and watching the street performers enjoy making their music. It was a very relaxing day. It was also a seriously beautiful day. Not 110 degrees outside either. Deniz and I would always laugh at our host mom for strange biological thermostat- with her daily "It's just sooo warm, and I'm just soo tired" after a day of scorching 75 degree weather. Man was my body not acclimated when I got home, especially walking from main campus to my lab in Reynolds. 

Kirsch Eis und the Old City Hall

The most German things I have done since being home were taking the Aggie Spirit with my roommate to class, spending at least 2-3 hours when eating with friends, and surprisingly ordering mineral water at Taco Cabana. I miss the mornings Deniz and I got to wait for the bus in the cool air in our quaint neighborhood. But its nice that these buses do have AC. 

My non-Aggie Spirit Bus stop aka  meine Haltestelle

I miss Norderney. I miss the bikes. I miss the morning thalasso and beach workout. I miss the layed back European meals and lifestyle. I miss AIB and our classroom with windows, fresh air, and fresh coffee. I miss the Wasser lectures, and I wish some of my professors could take notes from him on how to lecture with humor. 

Field alongside my running route in my neighborhood in Bonn.

It has been incredible to be back home though. I missed my family and St. Mary's so so much while I was gone and it wasn't easy for me. The hardest part being that I wished my family could experience everything with me- the food, the people, and the places. But, coming back I am exponentially more independent. I am more confident in making plans and going places spontaneously. For example, the night I moved in during Howdy week I decided to go to Galveston with friends the next day- enjoying soccer and salsa dancing on the beach. Germans have shown me to invest in those around me and to take pleasure in the gifts these people are in my life. I have also been going out with friends more often or having them over to cook meals like we did in Europe and celebrating life because life is meant to be alive amidst our draining hard work. 

My breakfast spot in our host family home. 

When I did go back home I spent the majority of my time volunteering at the Children's Hospital  and working at Camp Kesem- spending lots of time with kids. Being thrown into this familiar atmosphere after a summer away from children has reassured me that my passion and future career is in pediatrics. Whether its Pediatric Emergency medicine, clinic, or surgery (thanks to our trip to the ORs) I don't see (and haven't seen) my self being happier then when I am working with this group of honest and uniquely profound group of humans.

A casual stroll through the neighborhoods in Bonn

Coming back home and being bombarded with questions about my trip was difficult because I hadn't processed it yet and didn't know what to say. I wasn't even sure how to describe it to my family, which week, which country, which food, which misadventure would I share? Too many. What about the fact that not every day was magical? How would I convey the simplicity of living in a country where it was the normal and the home of a group of people without losing the simple magic of it or do it justice? It was just their daily life. It wasn't really until talking with a fellow Camp Kesem counselor my last week of summer that it clicked. He had spent his summer helping struggling  companies in South Africa and traveled all over Europe for several weeks. He understood and we shared our stories. 

Beautiful walls alongside the Rheine

This world is actually very incredibly small. We are all humans, struggling with the same basic things, but interpreting and approaching these struggles differently. But in some cases we all react in the same ways. Being a Catholic abroad was maybe the most profound experience of my life. I could literally walk down any street and find a church every 5-10 minutes of walking. No matter the country, no matter the city. It was what helped me survive and thrive on my personal "hero's journey". An absolute beautiful day of mine was walking into St. Remigius in Bonn and going into a pew to pray and talk to Jesus about the million of things going on in my head. A little while later a lady with a name tag on approached me and started speaking German to me and motioning as if I was supposed too leave or move or who even knows... "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" "nein" "okay" "*more German*" "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" "nein *more German words*" but eventually I got that she wanted me to join some people at the front of the church for a group prayer that was very similar in structure to liturgy of the hours. (background- I have a special place in my heart for Liturgy of the Hours since I was a sophomore in high school and my wonderful grandfather bought me the book for it). So she gave me the prayer pamphlet, in German, and I got to pray it with them. It was a moving and uniquely "home-like" experience to have halfway across the world.

Munich, after a beautiful surprise of walking into daily mass

The world is one home. Having mass in a strange sounding dialect but with half of it in Latin was the sweetest reward because I could actually participate in the mass verbally. The Agnus Dei got me every time, my absolute favorite part of the mass, and then getting to sing it alongside these Germans in a language we shared. 

One of the coolest parts of our program is that even though we all have to leave, we all show back up at the same place here in Aggieland to continue to share in personal growth, friendships, and in life. We may not be in Germany any more, but Germany is in us and we are together. I love it. I ran into Deniz at HEB the week before classes started and I freaked out "who is this German girl?!" and I ran into Carol after orchestra rehearsal in the Adams building "You're in AMERICA?!". I can't wait to see in what ways these amazing German-rooted friendships will blossom this entire year and in my lifetime. How cool is that?

I would go back in a heartbeat, and I would live there if I had the chance, but I think I may need to uproot some Americans and bring them there with me.

Der Rheine

Thank you to the world. Tschüss!