Studying abroad is something everyone should do. Before this experience, I was shown graphs that go way way up followed by a downfall then steady incline until you descend again when you come home. They never mentioned you can experience the highest of highs and lowest of lows all in the same day. Class can be very stressful, especially when you’re throw into a situation where you sometimes feel like a complete idiot. Being somewhat of a perfectionist, it can be difficult to accept that you’re not completely understanding something the first time you’re told. So, I has a tiny panic attack. I’ve definitely had worse. It’s possible that I’ll experience more moments of frustration. I’ll continue to sometimes doubt my capabilities. However, I realized that I can get through those moments. Moments don’t last long and pass as quickly as they come.
What turned my mood around is my host mom, Mirebel. She didn’t do anything specifically exceptional. I just realized two things. I can’t compare my situation with others. There are things others have that I may be envious of, like I want a dog so bad! Joking around I started a conversation about a pets. I even showed her a video of a cat trying to get inside a box. She told me how she doesn’t want any animals in the house. You think this would make me upset but it motivated me to talk more with her.
So at dinner, I started asking about how much I love to cook. She promised to teach me how to cook some Spanish recipes! All it takes to grow with your host mother, father, sister, whoever; you have to try to talk to them. Even if you don’t know much, you have to try! Because when you start to understand each other, it is the best feeling in the world!