We all go through different phases of change, whereas in this case, I would like to call it growth. From the perspective of someone who came from the beauty and chaos of Africa, to the potential in the US, going to Europe for four months was not a culture shock to me. As the program went on, I at times wondered if I really was experiencing anything new. It would turn out to be the best time of my life thus far. It was near perfect from the staff, the traveling, the experiences and to the friends who I shared those experiences with. So here is my attempt to sum up my experience abroad, and the life changing effect it had on me, because truly, this experience would need a book.
Like many of us arriving in France, some of us had expectations, goals, and uncertainty. In my case, my expectation was no expectation because I came with a blank open mind, trying to see what the little treasure in the south of France had to offer me.
The French culture as I learned, varied depending on the region. French people are some of the proudest and most genuine people in the world, and rightfully so. With France being the size of Texas, they have accomplished a lot. At the beginning, it was difficult to really put yourself into the culture. Knowing about it and being apart of are two different things. Most of my preconceived notions began to crumble as I began to meet more and more French people with my appreciation of the culture growing.
The French culture as I learned, varied depending on the region. French people are some of the proudest and most genuine people in the world, and rightfully so. With France being the size of Texas, they have accomplished a lot. At the beginning, it was difficult to really put yourself into the culture. Knowing about it and being apart of are two different things. Most of my preconceived notions began to crumble as I began to meet more and more French people with my appreciation of the culture growing.
Even though the program was filled with many Americans, we all contributed to each other’s experience in our own ways. The friends I have made through my study abroad program helped me to learn about myself and grow on so many levels. Even my host mother in all of her expressive ways grew on me. I didn’t realize how much Aix became my home until it was time to go. I also realized the impact of how much of an influence one person could have on you. Even though I know not the future of our friendship, this person taught me to question the world around me and see the whole world for what it is. The thought and reflection of everyone leaving and going their own ways was somewhat of a downer. Every single person you meet is going to either give you something, or take away something from you. Whether it is an impression, idea, or even change, that how it is from my perspective.
Things I will definitely miss
1.The Friends
2.The Memories
3.The French girls (Especially after my first kiss with a French girl :)
4.How well the French Girls dressed
5.The Steak Frites w/ sauce Algerian and Bar Street
6.The Culture (With the Wines and the Food)
7.The Excursion and the IAU Staff
8.Walking through Aix and Cours Mirabeau
9.The Feeling of Aix being home
Things I will definitely miss
1.The Friends
2.The Memories
3.The French girls (Especially after my first kiss with a French girl :)
4.How well the French Girls dressed
5.The Steak Frites w/ sauce Algerian and Bar Street
6.The Culture (With the Wines and the Food)
7.The Excursion and the IAU Staff
8.Walking through Aix and Cours Mirabeau
9.The Feeling of Aix being home
After all is said and done, I will always remember Aix, and I may forget some of the people I met there because that is life. However, the experiences, the travels, the memories and everything we all created together will always be apart of whom I am. As I look back on my experience, I will remember the few tears that dropped on my last walk home and my last bowl of cereal breakfast with my host mom. I have grown on so many levels, and it is amazing that all of this happened when I blindly applied to this program the day before the application was due. The end result was true satisfaction of an experience that can never be replicated. I really wanted to give a final blog that really communicated my experience, but no words on paper can truly do it justice. As the saying goes, "Les vrais paradis sont les paradis qu'on a perdus" (Google translate it if you have to). So Aix-En-Provence, I leave you with this. Farewell, but not goodbye.