Over One Month Back in the States

Hello all, it has been a while since my last post, and to think I was on the other side of the world at that time!

Initially, coming back home felt weird to me. Bloomington is an environment I'm quite familiar with, but it was almost jarring to be back at times, given I was away for two months. After a few days of rest and recovery, I became depressed. In New Zealand, it seemed like most days I had something to do, whether it was exploring somewhere new on my own or trying a new restaurant with my cohort. Additionally, student teaching took up the majority of my time. When I first came home, many of my friends were leaving town for the holidays or busy with work. Also, there weren't any new places for me to explore in Bloomington and I did not have a job at the time, so there was very little for me to do.

Now, things have changed. My friends are back in town, I've reconnected with the hobbies I put aside while in New Zealand, and I start a new job in just over a week! While it's not a teaching job, I'm still looking forward to having less free time, as strange as that sounds. I've also enjoyed being able to share my experiences abroad with those around me and comparing international experiences with my friends who have also gone abroad.

I have also had time to reflect on my time abroad while not in the midst of it, realizing how it has changed me as a person. I've become more environmentally conscious by reducing how much I waste and making a greater effort to recycle. I've learned that I can be independent and enjoy new experiences even if I do so on my own. I've also learned how much I miss drinking L&P, it is such a shame that they don't sell it in the States! Living abroad was fantastic and I look forward to my next adventure in 2025, when I take the plunge into the land down under!

Yes, I am making plans to move to Melbourne, Australia and my goal is to start teaching there in January of next year. While it seems daunting, especially with moving my cat and life, I've uprooted myself to experience a new part of the world once before, so I know I can do it again! I plan to post intermittently throughout the preparation process, and certainly more as I explore new parts of the world and settle into life in Melbourne! Bye for now!