So, I've never had a blog before. But it does seem like a good idea to give people a way to follow me when I am gone next year on study abroad.
And there it is: I'll be in the Netherlands all next year. I'll be leaving sometime in the middle of August, and am still waiting for placement in a family which feels like it's the most important thing, even though it maybe shouldn't be. Since the only thing I know about next year so far is that I'm going to be in the Netherlands, I've tried to do a little bit of research. I have learned that though marijuana may be legal, the drug does not dominate their culture as some people here seem to think. The people in the Netherland's are on average the tallest people in the world (I wonder if my 5'4" will be considered short?). Road biking and speed skating are some of the most popular sports. Before I go this summer, I'm hoping to pick up on a little bit more information about the country; but these are the things that have stuck with me so far. And they speak Dutch there, which I do not know one word of. Also something I'm hoping to improve on before I leave.
I'm excited to leave this summer. Both of my parents and a number of my other family members all traveled on study abroad, so my entire life I've been encouraged to go. I know that there is more to see in the world than what is available in my small town and hopefully I'll get the opportunity to see that next year. The chance to be a part of another culture for a whole year isn't often something that you're given and I'm going to take advantage of it. I hope to gain some understanding of another part of the world, and in turn give the people I meet an understanding of American culture.
Of course, besides the excitement for next year, I'm also scared. I'm happy now, with my friends, my family, school, and the sports I do. Everything is going well for me, and to just turn around and walk away from all of that scares me more than anything. I know nothing about what my life is going to be like in the Netherlands or the people who are going to be there. Obviously though, I've decided to go despite that fear and everyday since I've made the decision to go I get more used to the idea, and more excited about it.
