Adjustment
Labas!
So let me start by saying that I haven't gone a single day without hearing about my hair catching on fire. I don't think I will ever live that down. Earlier this week, the study abroad director decided to relive the tale for me (again). Apparently there was a "ball of fire"?? I'm quite thankful that I didn't see it and that I emerged unharmed. This might not be anyone's ideal first impression, but it's memorable and totally a classic Emma move :) At least I can laugh at it! AND, I've managed to avoid fire all week!
So classes have begun. My final schedule after some manipulation:
I'm trying to get an internship teaching dance during my semester here. If it works out, I'll get a mentor and a letter of recommendation by the time I'm finished. Plus it'll keep me in shape for Acclamation next fall.
Since my last post, we've done some touring of Klaipeda. I've been into Old Town twice on my own. It's been an adventure for sure, but I like exploring and learning where things are. Plus I got a pretty sweet photo shoot with some unique architecture on Thursday.
On a more intimate level.... At some point within the last 24 hours, I began my ohmygoodnesswhattheheckdidIgetmyselfinto phase. AKA culture shock. Monday was weird because everyone was catching up about break in their native language and I'm standing around before class, not knowing anyone. I'm not concerned with language, but I'm really struggling with the adjustment back into academic life.
I think there's a part of me that's still recovering from last semester. Honestly, my schedule was insane. There's a reason why certain classes are suggested for juniors and others are suggested for seniors. I survived simply by taking things one day at a time with lots of to-do lists. In the weeks between Fall Break and Thanksgiving, I was insanely stressed and sick of the routine of my schedule. Class. Work. Homework. Sleep. Repeat. Every once in a while I had a few hours to offer for dance or meals with friends. Surprisingly, I made it through. But I don't want to ever repeat a semester like that.
Somehow in my head, I think that if I don't do homework, then I won't get sucked into more academic insanity. That's obviously not the case. I want to enjoy my time here and make the most of my experience, but I'm scared that I will fall into the trap of schoolwork, with absolutely zero down time. To hear reactions about my LCC schedule that sound an awful lot like the reactions toward my previous Messiah schedule is not super encouraging.
I can see why such reactions prevail, but I wanted to maximize my experience here by choosing classes that would benefit from the diversity of the student population. Most of the other American students here informed me that they chose easy schedules so they could relax and travel. I'm trying to remain positive, but it's extremely difficult when everyone around me is negative toward my course load.
I'm sure that I just need to settle into my routine and then things will smooth out. Once I have that routine with things to look forward to, I'll be able to take my week one day at a time. I'll have my studying, sleeping, and socializing schedule down. And then I should be good. In the meantime, it's a struggle.
I began to initiate contact back home this week, for a variety of reasons. It may have been too early for some people and in general, too much all at once. I wouldn't yet say that I'm homesick, but I do miss being able to sit in the same room with people I care for.
When I began this post, I was nervous about sharing the really deep, scary emotions. But I'm glad. It's borderline therapeutic. They will pass. And I know you all are supporting me. Plus I got a nice, long, secure, loving hug today that thoroughly helped :)
Until next week!
Emma
So let me start by saying that I haven't gone a single day without hearing about my hair catching on fire. I don't think I will ever live that down. Earlier this week, the study abroad director decided to relive the tale for me (again). Apparently there was a "ball of fire"?? I'm quite thankful that I didn't see it and that I emerged unharmed. This might not be anyone's ideal first impression, but it's memorable and totally a classic Emma move :) At least I can laugh at it! AND, I've managed to avoid fire all week!
So classes have begun. My final schedule after some manipulation:
- Neuropsychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Abnormal Psychology (independent study)
- Intro to the Bible II (New Testament study)
- Intro to Theology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Cross-Cultural Seminar
I'm trying to get an internship teaching dance during my semester here. If it works out, I'll get a mentor and a letter of recommendation by the time I'm finished. Plus it'll keep me in shape for Acclamation next fall.
Since my last post, we've done some touring of Klaipeda. I've been into Old Town twice on my own. It's been an adventure for sure, but I like exploring and learning where things are. Plus I got a pretty sweet photo shoot with some unique architecture on Thursday.
On a more intimate level.... At some point within the last 24 hours, I began my ohmygoodnesswhattheheckdidIgetmyselfinto phase. AKA culture shock. Monday was weird because everyone was catching up about break in their native language and I'm standing around before class, not knowing anyone. I'm not concerned with language, but I'm really struggling with the adjustment back into academic life.
I think there's a part of me that's still recovering from last semester. Honestly, my schedule was insane. There's a reason why certain classes are suggested for juniors and others are suggested for seniors. I survived simply by taking things one day at a time with lots of to-do lists. In the weeks between Fall Break and Thanksgiving, I was insanely stressed and sick of the routine of my schedule. Class. Work. Homework. Sleep. Repeat. Every once in a while I had a few hours to offer for dance or meals with friends. Surprisingly, I made it through. But I don't want to ever repeat a semester like that.
Somehow in my head, I think that if I don't do homework, then I won't get sucked into more academic insanity. That's obviously not the case. I want to enjoy my time here and make the most of my experience, but I'm scared that I will fall into the trap of schoolwork, with absolutely zero down time. To hear reactions about my LCC schedule that sound an awful lot like the reactions toward my previous Messiah schedule is not super encouraging.
I can see why such reactions prevail, but I wanted to maximize my experience here by choosing classes that would benefit from the diversity of the student population. Most of the other American students here informed me that they chose easy schedules so they could relax and travel. I'm trying to remain positive, but it's extremely difficult when everyone around me is negative toward my course load.
I'm sure that I just need to settle into my routine and then things will smooth out. Once I have that routine with things to look forward to, I'll be able to take my week one day at a time. I'll have my studying, sleeping, and socializing schedule down. And then I should be good. In the meantime, it's a struggle.
I began to initiate contact back home this week, for a variety of reasons. It may have been too early for some people and in general, too much all at once. I wouldn't yet say that I'm homesick, but I do miss being able to sit in the same room with people I care for.
When I began this post, I was nervous about sharing the really deep, scary emotions. But I'm glad. It's borderline therapeutic. They will pass. And I know you all are supporting me. Plus I got a nice, long, secure, loving hug today that thoroughly helped :)
Until next week!
Emma
