Hello All! It has been such a long time since I've written on here! I cannot believe that I've been home for almost two months. In all honestly, the move back home has been more overwhelming than I thought it would be. When I left Valencia, I felt as though I truly was ready to come home. I laughed when we had our last meeting of the semester and our program director handed us "coping with reverse culture-shock" packets. I figured that I had traveled so many times before this, and that coming home wouldn't even phase me. At first this was most definitely true. I found myself back in the same patterns of grocery shopping, going to the gym, substitute teaching, and spending time with my friends. As winter break dragged on, the realization finally started to hit that my time in Valencia had come and gone.
Going to Valencia was undoubtedly the best experience of my life. When else will I get to have all of Europe at my fingertips for four months while receiving college credit? The answer might be sooner than you think.
This semester has certainly opened my eyes to figuring out a way to get back to my beloved Spain as soon as possible. Although I do want to be a Spanish teacher in New Jersey, I feel as though another adventure is in store before I receive for a full-time job. Recently, I've been contemplating the idea of teaching English in Spain for the following school year. I think it is something that I would absolutely benefit from as far as my future career in education goes. Not only will I further improve my Spanish, but I will also gain experience in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), which is what I intend to start my Masters in this summer.
My first reaction to this idea is YES, ABSOLUTELY GO! My gut reaction tells me ARE YOU CRAZY, AN ENTIRE YEAR? What about x, y, and z reasons why you shouldn't be considering it? I've found that I have been an active watcher in my life, rather than going out and experiencing it for my self. I wait in anticipation for things that probably will never even happen. The fact of the matter is, is that I am a 21 year old about to graduate in may. As far as real life adult responsibilities go, I have absolutely none. The timing could not be better.
The one and only thing that is holding me back is fear; the fear of not finding a full-time job when I return, the fear of not having money, the fear of missing life back home, and the fear of being alone. I've realized since being home that your thoughts become your world. If I go into an experience such as this thinking all of these negative thoughts, the outcome will most likely be negative. I figure I might as well apply to at least have it as an option.
Aside from future plans abroad, I've started student teaching this semester. Although it is very time consuming, I really enjoy the school I'm working at, along with my cooperating teacher.
Health-wise, I've also made a few changes. Still having to deal with this stress fracture in my left foot, I've been confined to the stationary bike at the gym. About two weeks ago, I started going to hot yoga with one of my best friends. We LOVE it! I've also started a pretty strict vegan lifestyle. Essentially, all vegan means is not eating any animal products, so no meat or dairy. It's only been a little over a week, but I'm feeling a lot healthier and positive about my body, have not been as stressed or worrisome, and have even lost a few pounds! At first I challenged myself to 40 days of being vegan, but now I'm thinking there may possibly not be an end to it. I'm having fun experimenting with new foods, and finding new alternatives.
That's all for now. I'll fill you in on how my first day of teaching goes tomorrow! For now, live without fear, and do something healthy for yourself!
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