Tips for the future

Hello Hello!
I just saw this link on Twitter and thought it would be fun to post it here. This link talks about how much tip you should give around the world. Check it out!
Later Gators!
<3 Melissa

There is not greater gift than the gift of travel.

When I came back to school in Sioux Falls many people were excited to see me and hear about my travels abroad, but one thing I noticed when I got back was how many people really want to study abroad but then put it on the back burner because of many reasons. Well, my friends, studying abroad was by far the best experience of my life (as you can probably tell from previous posts). Yes, it is expensive (depending on where you go), but it is totally worth it. Not only did I learn a lot about being in a different county and culture, I learned a lot about myself, and I think that is the greatest reward of studying abroad. Being thousands of miles away from home made me more independent and gave me a chance to discover and develop the new and improved Melissa (sounds tacky I know, but it is the truth!). I have done things I thought I would never do, and those opportunities have opened many doors for my future. It is great!

Right now there is not a day that goes by that I don't wish I was back in Australia. The adjustment to the American lifestyle has been rough, and many tears have been shed. One thing that I have struggled with for the past few weeks is coming to terms with that idea that you can out grow your friendships. It is hard because I am realizing this about one of my friends here at school. I am hoping I don't lose them as a friend. It has just been tough. Another thing I have been struggling with is the feeling of being replaced. This is also happening with one of my close friends. Trust me it is not fun. There have been so many mixed emotions with this idea that it has become very mind boggling.

Since being back I have developed a very good support system. This I have found to be amazing while transitioning back into the American way of life. The two people I hang out with a lot are my friends Maggie and Becky. Maggie and I never really knew each other until the fall semester of my sophomore year/her junior year. While she was abroad (she studying abroad in Nova Scotia for a year) we began talking a lot more and found out we had a lot in common. She has been my main supporter in the transition, and I have also been hers. My other friend/supporter is Becky. I have known Becky since my freshman year when we started reffing intramural basketball together and now we play on the same intramural teams. I have been doing a lot of things with these two since being back and it has been a lot of fun.

As for now my life has been full of school, transitions, emotional break downs, and some very fun nights. Spring semester just started at school and I'm sure it will be filled with more of those things, so keep reading!
Later Gators!
<3 Melissa