I'm about half way through this 10-15 page paper and i've been going back into my blog to try and remember key points in this story that I can't remember as crisply as I would like. Well, I should have written it as soon as I returned from the trip, but procrastination is evil.
Now, I wish to insert a portion of my paper and story here. So that maybe I (and others) may read it a few years later. Here it is:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In
my bedroom (with two open suitcases and a carry-on backpack) was the moment
when I realized that I was going to leave this house and this country for the
longest I have ever spent away. Throughout all the necessary steps that
transpired in the previous semester, I had never known that this study abroad
trip was actually going to take place. Again, my mind was numb to all the
running around I was doing for this trip. The tiring, paper pushing process was
never seen as a “trip abroad” until I stepped foot in the Pittsburgh airport a
few months later. I have traveled by plane before, so I knew all the necessary desk
locations and procedures of the airport. However, this was the first time I had
traveled completely alone. Passing through security and waving good-bye for the
final time to my loved ones was the last point of dependency. From then on, I
had to rely on myself and all the street smarts my father had taught me
throughout my life were taking control of my very trustful heart. Walking
through the crowds and ultimately finding my terminal gate was relieving. All I
had to do was sit and wait for my row on the airplane to be called. My
connecting flight to Washington D.C Dulles International Airport would soon
arrive and my long journey to Finland would begin at last. Arriving in
Washington D.C was a new experience. I had not been to this airport before with
its heavenly white walls and sky light ceilings. Once again, I had to be self-reliant
to find the next terminal gate and when I did; I was met with a crowd of very blonde
people speaking in a language I had never heard before. A moment of culture
shock (even though I slightly fit in physically because of my blonde hair and
fair skin) took place and I found my seat in the waiting area. My next flight
would take me overseas to Denmark. The largest plane I had ever boarded! With
three rows of seating split with two aisles, my dark blue floatation device was
a window seat in the middle section of the plane. Later, I found out I was
sitting next to a Canadian on his way to a big environmental conference
happening that year. “Always be prepared for the unexpected,” my father’s voice
in my head didn’t let me sleep for this eight hour voyage.
______________________________________________________________________________
so here is a piece of my story. If im as proud of the rest of the paper, maybe i'll continue to post sections of it.
so here is a piece of my story. If im as proud of the rest of the paper, maybe i'll continue to post sections of it.
