Hola!
A few days ago, I received an email entitled "CSBSJU Returnee Handbook." That is, the Office for Education Abroad sent material that would help "prepare [me] to help say goodbye to [my] most recent home for the last few months and how [I] can start transitioning back to the USA." With my time in Segovia quickly coming to an end, I thought I might actually use the given resources so that I can start unpacking some the experiences I have had these last few months. One in particular is called Anticipation and Expectation Exercise. It includes a variety of questions that should be answered honestly before coming home, and I thought I would pick one to include in my blog.
The five things I missed most about home while I have been abroad are:
1. Family
I have the best family, so not being able to see them for four months has been hard. I've missed calling my mom in-between classes, hearing advice and motivation from my dad, and bonding with my sister. They are truly my rock and greatest support system, and for that I am looking forward to returning home. In addition, I miss the animal members of my family! I can't wait to play with Otto, Eddie, and Woody again!
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| My mom is my best friend! |
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| My dad is my role model and inspiration! |
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| My family supports me in all that I do! (Photo taken at TC Marathon) |
2. Friends
Second to my immediate family, my friends have become my second family. I am blessed to have amazing networks of friends, both from Edina and CSB/SJU. I cannot wait to be reunited with them again!
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| I miss my best friend Kristin the most! |
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| Close friends from Minnehaha Academy and Edina! |
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| Members of my CSB/SJU family! |
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| I love my Edina friends! |
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| Who could forget these goons? I love Kaitlyn and Graci! |
3. CSB/SJU
Even though I am abroad with a CSB/SJU program, I still dearly miss my school. I miss feeling the wonderful sense of community on campus, being involved in various clubs, and working as a Biology Teaching Assistant and Exercise Lab Assistant. I can't wait to be back in St. Joe again soon!
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| I can't to be a CSB Senator this fall! |
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| Johnnie football is the best! |
4. Science
As geeky as it may be, I've deeply missed science. Studying abroad in Segovia means 16 credits of Spanish classes, which differs greatly from my typical science-filled course load. Going into the semester, I relished in the fact that I would not have any labs, but now I actually miss them! I can't wait to spend hours in the library studying things that interest me - things that actually matter! (No offense, Spanish).
This is a video recorded during finals week last semester.
I was studying for Biochemistry, which has been
my favorite class I have taken in college.
5. Church
To end, I miss attending church on a weekly basis. Specifically, I can't wait to go to Praise in the Pub, which is a Wednesday night gathering at CSB/SJU, and Upper Room, my home church. Both help keep me grounded and are always the highlight of my week!
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| A picture taken at an outdoor service of Upper Room this summer! |
Cheers,
Anna
