Thank you Europe for
showing me so much this semester. I still have a lot to reflect on and know
that upon returning to the states I will see how this program has truly shaped
me. I will miss your historical buildings, your fabulous food, your cheap airline
costs and the many cultures to experience. Budapest, I will definitely miss
your low cost of living, your Hungarian wines, and the wide range of places to
eat. Most importantly, I will miss the people that you have introduced me to,
from those on my program to the Hungarians I have met. Those individuals are
what made my semester enjoyable.
The one thing I am
taking away from my academic studies this semester is the importance of using
problem solving, games, and manipulatives and the importance of finding a
balance between different student interactions within each of my future
lessons. I am also taking away the experience of teaching English to refugees
and hearing some of their experiences. Lastly, I am personally taking back more
confidence than I arrived with. I can't fully explain from what this confidence
was formed and how it will change me, but I know I will see a difference back
in the states. I'm also looking forward to seeing what other changes have
occurred in me this semester that I have not yet noticed.
One of the hardest
parts of this semester was the language barrier. I had been told that many
people speak English here and that I would be able to get by just fine with
speaking English. While that was basically true, I felt bad requiring others to
speak a language that they may not feel comfortable with. Hence, I avoiding
speaking to people that I didn't know if they spoke English. There were many
times though that I hated not being able to speak Hungarian and have a small
conversation with someone. I did take a short language course, but it moved
through things to fast for me to become comfortable actually using it. I really
only used and understood numbers, greetings, some foods, "thank you",
"sorry/excuse me", and "I don't speak Hungarian". So yes I
could get by, but never did I feel comfortable with this. I will forever be
grateful for speaking English, the language used upon travelers and I am
looking forward to being able to speak English more freely in the states.
I am greatly looking
forward to being back in the United States. I've been told that I will greatly
miss this semester and I am sure aspects of it I will, but I am looking forward
to going home more than I have heard others speak of. It has been an adventurous,
challenging, and enriching semester. Despite the fun times I have had and the
great people that I have met, I'm ready to be back home surrounded by my
family, faith family, and CSB/SJU community. Goodbyes are hard though and I
have had to do many this week. First I said goodbye to the three very
thoughtful women that I taught English to. They gave me an enriching experience
that I will never forget. Next I said goodbye to the ICFB group that were so
welcoming to Olivia and I. ICFB welcomed Olivia and I with open arms and
continued to remind how God has worked in my life. I will be praying for all
them as they continue their studies and work, especially Bernie and Sion who
gave birth to a beautiful new daughter on Thursday. Lastly I said goodbye to
the many people who I meant on this program. Some of them I know I will see
again, but others I will probably never see again. Olivia and I got shakes on
Thursday at the same place that we got waffles at and started our strong
friendship at in the beginning of the semester. Then Julia, Rose, Olivia,
Steffi, Haley, and I hung out together at Rose, Olivia, & Steffi's place.
It was a great evening to spend together one last time. I pray that everyone
has safe travels home and I hope to keep in touch with many of the wonderful
individuals that have touched my heart this semester. While these goodbyes are
always tough, it is time for me to be back home.
Szia later Europe
& Budapest. Hello Minnesota,
Ashley
*Notice: Szia means bye in Hungarian but
sounds like "see ya".
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