2013 in a nutshell

I know I haven't updated in a while so here we go!

So, I've just finished my first semester of graduate school...go me! I wouldn't say that it has been any harder nor easier than I thought. My class load isn't bad and I mostly enjoy the subject matter. Biggest change has been getting used to the French university system (because it is completely backwards and no one ever knows what is going on) as well as a few professors who openly do not like Americans. Nice right? oh well. People are entitled to their own opinions. Grades are not completely available until the spring but I think I did well. Next semester will be even better!

Bordeaux: COLD. But, always beautiful. I am still loving living here and I am glad I chose to be here. The Christmas lights on the Cours Mirabeau in Aix were stunning but I have to admit that I am loving walking around Bordeaux by night just to stare at the light displays. It is absolutely stunning.

Coming here has been a great decision. I'm learning some tough lessons but loving every moment. It was a dream...that is now a reality and I love it! My Dad has already been to visit and my Mom will be here in about a month! Then, the whole fambam will come in July. I can't wait to continue to share the life I am building here in France with my family. I am extremely for all of the support they have given me. I have found it is harder to be gone this time around but they are always right there when I need them. I love you guys! I am also extremely lucky to have my "french family" who makes sure I don't start to miss my fambam too much. They are amazing!

I cannot believe we are nearing the end of 2013!!! And what a year it has been! I graduated from college, got into graduate school, and moved to a foreign country. Crazy right? What is even more insane is that it all happened in a year. It has flown by! For the first time ever, I will not be with my family for the holiday season. It isn't easy and it is safe to say that I will spend Christmas 2014 in San Diego. But, being on my own has taught me a few things and it has made me more grateful for what I have. So, what am I most thankful for this year?

1) my family: I love and miss you guys so much! I wouldn't be able to be here without their support. Plus my Mom does put together great care packages ;) they help keep my "America" cravings at bay :) I really cannot wait to share my second home with them! Bordeaux vacation 2014...it will be a  good one! :)

2) my friends: it is not easy to be away from you guys! Long distance friendships take a ton of work and I am so thankful to have a handful of friends that are as close if not even closer, than ever. With Skype, iMessage and FaceTime, it is as if you guys are here with me! Special thanks to my best friends (you know who you are!) and our ridiculous FaceTime sessions and text messages. I love and miss you all!

3) this opportunity: how lucky am I? I have this amazing opportunity to live in France. I have two homes...one here and one of course, in dear old San Diego! AMAZING! not to mention I get to further my education...double win! After my year in Aix, I thought I had learned a lot about myself and who I am. Now, I am continuing to grow even more. I think my greatest influence this time around, has been myself. Only I can control what I want to accomplish. All I have to do is put my mind to it and its mine! Look out 2014...I'm going to accomplish big things 

:)

"It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done."

lessons from an abroad alumni

During my senior year at Cal State San Marcos, I had the opportunity to work with CEA as an Alumni Ambassador. During this time, I connected with other abroad alum who shared the same passion for studies internationally. There were two questions we were always encouraged to reflect on. The first was, "what is the greatest lesson you learned from being abroad?" Until now, I thought my answer to that question defined my experience. What was that answer? In short, I said that study abroad changed me. It changed who I am and how I embrace the world. Now, the second question was, "how can you use what you learned from abroad here, at home?" Again, until now, my answer was sufficient. It was, to share my passion with my peers. But here is the catch, I am now fully realizing what this means. At my school, not many students had gone with CEA, especially not in their France programs. The french program is relatively small on my alumni campus and many people didn't realize a minor in the language was even possible. CEA helped me take it one step further and I am now among the first from CSUSM to hold a Bachelor of Arts in French Language.

Now you are wondering what this has to do with my sudden realization of "what I learned from abroad and how I applied it." Here's the thing...during that year, I was everywhere. I was the President of the French Club, Holy Crêpe, and I worked with CEA to get the word out on campus. Due to my time spent with both programs, it only made sense that I combined them. Now, the number of new students in the French program has increased and the wait lists for our French classes are longer than they ever were before. This sounds like I am taking credit for this, I am not. I give all that credit to CEA especially to CEA:Aix-en-Provence and the Alumni Ambassadors team. The team in Aix gave me all the tools I needed to succeed and grow in a place that was once so foreign and now I call it home. Then you have the Alumni relations group who helped ease the transition back to the States and got us thinking about what this all means. I have spoken to so many people about my experience that I have helped them go after their dream. Many of my friends have even taken up a new language and are planning their own trips abroad because they want to experience its magic. Some have even named me as their motivating factor. Yes, we as individuals have to make the most out of what gets put in front of us but, what is more important are the people who help guide us. After a push from a friend at CSUSM, and the team at CEA, I am honored to help people go after their dreams abroad. It has opened so many doors with so many new opportunities for me that I can only hope it will always do so. The beauty is finding these opportunities as they have fallen into my lap. International education gave that to me :)

<3

So, what is my new answer to "my greatest lesson from abroad?" Simple. Never look back. Go for it. If you love something, don't be afraid of it no matter how hard it may be. Just look at me, I am living my dream. Before I left Aix in June 2012, I swore I would be back after graduation. And well, here I am. I live in Bordeaux, France and I am following my heart and living my dreams. 

Happy October!

I cannot believe that it is October already!!! I have been back in France for a month and I am in full swing of normal activities. 

School...Last week was my first full week of classes and like normal, I have a ton to do. I only have 10 hours of class a week but that means I have at least 20-30 hours of work to do outside of class. But I'm used to not sleeping so why change things now? ;) In general classes are great! I am known as the "American" which I find hilarious because at CSUSM I was the "Frenchie." As for the classes themselves, I have four taught in English with a hint of French mixed in and the other is in French. I've found a few big differences between the US and French education systems: 1) the facilities are crap! To all of you who complain about Academic hall at CSUSM...you have nothing on me! trust me! I'm paying practically nothing for my degree here so I guess the saying "you get what you pay for" is very true. 2) you either have an exposé or an exam at the end of the semester and that is it! In three of my classes, I have exposés over the next three weeks and then just reading to do! I know I will have one oral exam at the end of January and for my last class, I have no idea because the prof hasn't even began the class! and that leads me to number 3) profs apparently do things as they want. If they don't want to hold class for two weeks, they don't! It's ridiculous! I am liking it though...it's fun to be back in my academic element as I iron out the details of my "what's next"

It is incredible that I have been able to do all of this. There are plenty of challenges and things I still need to figure out but I'm getting there! My French is back and its improving rapidly once more and I LOVE that...the frenchie is in her element :)

Time to get to work! Bises de Bordeaux!

:)

Courage

This past week has been slower than last week. Nevertheless, it has been great! I have been able to wander the city on my own and get to find my way. I love it! Living in a city is so different....everything moves all the time! Yes Aix-en-Provence was a city but it is a much smaller city. Anyways...I'm about 10 minutes from the center of town and its perfect. I still get some quiet ;) I love it all! All of my classes begin in the next two weeks so I am looking forward to having that quiet to study!

Moving on...what have I learned during my wanders in the city? 

1) if you have to be up early for any reason, go sit down by the river; just across from Place de la Bourse. It is quiet and you get to watch the city wake up. Plus the architecture is beautiful to stare at. Let your mind wander and take it all in.

2) bikes...I need to remember that they are everywhere and that I am in their way haha

3) look for the unexpected: yes I am fully aware that this is an oxymoron. Things that are unexpected are that way for a reason but that shouldn't stop you for looking for them. What I mean is, look for a moment you can enjoy or find the time to disappear from the world and stick to yourself. That sounds completely introverted but it is worth it. Like I've said before, it is how you learn something about yourself. Plus, something can always happen that will completely change your day around :)

4) what would I do without technology? I mean really, what did we do before iphones? that is a sad question to ask because I fully remember the time before iphones but being here, I don't know what I would do if I couldn't communicate with my people. Snail mail still makes receiving mail fun but I love being able to text and FaceTime my CA people when I can. Don't worry, I will meet France people too! That is what school is for ;)

5) COURAGE. Ever since I decided to move back to France, I've been told how courageous I am to do so. I am beginning to understand why. I said before that leaving this time was harder and I still think it was. But I am beginning to realize is that the courage everyone says I have, doesn't come from me alone. Of course I have to believe in myself otherwise this whole thing...well, we aren't going to discuss that because it won't ever happen :) All of you, especially my family and my friends give me the courage to do this. You all are there...via Facebook, Skype, iMessage, and FaceTime or whatever to give me the support when I need it. Just being able to talk to you all makes a huge difference. Without that, I wouldn't have this courage. I may be across an ocean and living in another country but I feel as if my family and those who I am lucky to have as friends, are right next to me. For that, I love and thank you all.

If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.
John Irving

<3

promised photos

As promised...here are a few pictures of my place and my city! More to follow soon!

bien arrivée!!

First, I would just like to say that I am LOVING being back in France!

Ok so now for a recap. I arrived about 3 days ago now and since my arrival, I have opened my bank account, moved into my place, and officially because a Master's student. eek! :)

I LOVE my tiny little studio...I think my favorite part is that I have it to myself. Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to meeting new people and everything but I love getting to live on my own. I get to do what I want, when I want, and how I'd like to do it :) Sure it is strange being alone but that is part of the adventure. I will have plenty of opportunities to meet to people, especially once classes begin on the 16th. Until then, I'll wander and get to know my new surroundings. 

School...I am enjoying my vacation time but I am ready to have something to dive into. Grad school in France hold news challenges. I am beginning my graduate studies in a new country that has a different education system than I am used to. I'm sure it will take some time to adjust but I am ready for it. It still amazes me that my Master's degree will only cost me about $500 a year. That is for both tuition and social security! How awesome is that! Even though I knew that would be the price, I still couldn't believe it when I was given my balance to pay. Thank you French visa for allowing me to benefit from this! Classes begin on the 16th :)

I have quickly come to realize that all the fears I had about moving and starting my life in another country alone, weren't worth it. This is all an amazing opportunity and I am so lucky that I get to do this. I've learned that the only important thing is to be positive and to love every minute of this adventure. If there is one thing I know about myself it is that I am capable of succeeding in anything and everything I want in life. All I have to do is know I can do it and the rest will fall into place one way or another.

:) 

finding my wings and beginning to use them

A little over a year ago, I was packing my belongings and preparing for my return to the US after spending a year abroad. Well, as my friends and family remember, I wanted no part of leaving. I fell in love with France and I found who I am. I remember promising myself that I would be back and that I would do anything to make it happen.  Surprise surprise, I did it! I am going home to my beloved adoptive country in just 3 days. Bordeaux, France...my new home and where I will get to create a life for myself :) Master's program in another country? Bring. It. On.

Leaving this time is much harder. The packing, the good-byes, the everything. My emotions have been everywhere. I have experienced pure excitement, sheer terror and I have even doubted whether or not I am strong enough to pull this off because this time, I am on my own. But, how do fears and doubts benefit me? They don't. So, they are being cast of into the wind and I have decided that any challenge I face, I can overcome. It is apart of becoming a true adult. We all have moments when we have to figure it out and I will. I will be across an ocean but support system will be as close as ever. I am so fortunate to have such a close knit family and a great group of friends that love me and will be there for me through anything. Without all of you, I wouldn't be able to do this and for that (among so many other reasons), I love you all!

I am ready. I've found my wings...now only 3 more days until I begin to use them!

my "what's next"....

So...here we are...back by popular demand :)

It is crazy to think that I have been home for a year now. Time has flown! So first a short recap...

I am 23 and a college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a second Bachelor of Arts in French Language. My last year at California State University San Marcos was amazing. I got to serve as the French Club Présidente, had the opportunity to work with CEA Global Education as an Alumni Ambassador and was CSUSM's french tutor. It was a lot but as I think about it, I loved every moment of the insanity because it allowed me to share my passions with my campus community. I think before my experience abroad, I was so content with remaining in my books and completing my studies but after, how could I not share the amazing-ness that is the world with my fellow students?

What did I love most about my undergraduate college experience? I would have to say...finding myself. College for so many is the time to party lots and study little. I looked at it another way. It was a new challenge and a time for me to find my element. I found it thats for sure. I think what is so incredible to reflect on is how each one of my history, literature and french professors was able to teach me something other than the required materials. My history people taught me about the world and they helped me discover that history is a constant, living thing that is completely dependent on those who study it. My literature professors showed me how to see the world as a human and to read the history as if I was there. And last but certainly not least, my french professors gave me a challenge; one that pushed me to realize that settling for something you are naturally good at isn't always enough. To all my CSUSM professors, I thank you; for dealing with me and for helping create who I am today. Each of you has left an impact and I will never forget it. 

Here is the fam bam! I am so lucky to have all of them in my corner. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a family who loves you and supports you no matter what. I have that team behind me...whether I am in the US or moving about the planet :) 

Oh Cal State Stair Master....I will miss you....kind of ;) I was so proud of this regalia that I did not take it off ALL day :)

True? I think yes :) 

On that note, I think its time to bring up my "what's next". 

I have been accepted at the Université de Bordeaux 3 and I will be moving back to France in early September! I am so excited and honestly I am not sure I have fully realized that I am now a grad student about to move "home." I will be studying études anglophones or english studies and I would like to become an english professor. 

As I wrote last year, I didn't want to leave France and at that time I promised I would be back in a little over a years time. I remember my return flight from Paris to London, sitting in a window seat over the plane's wing, watching as the Eiffel Tower came into view for a brief moment and then disappeared. I felt as if my world as I knew it had changed. I was a different person and the world I fell in love with, was disappearing in front of my eyes. I had already made up my mind to graduate and come back but I was terrified that something was going to happen and that it would be impossible. Well, that is not the case and I get to go "home" in just a few short months and I couldn't be more stoked! However, there is a sense of trepidation because this time, I won't be with a program. It is as if I am a "real" grown up and now is the time to really find my wings and fly. I'm sure there will be challenges and bumps along the way but I have the best support system filled with family and friends who love me and I know they will never let me fall. 

"Suis ton coeur aussi longtemps que tu vis..."

je le ferai...toujours

:)