19 December, 2017 11:39 AM" LAST THOUGHTS " 안녕히 계세요 Comfort in our failures allows us to act without fear, to engage without judgment, to love without conditions. It is like the dog that lets the tail go and realizes that it’s already a part of himself. Packing up my bags and spending the past four and a half months vagabonding throughout South Korea was the most challenging yet rewarding decision I have ever made and I would never take it back. You learn a lot. About people, about the world, about life and most importantly you learn more about yourself. Sometimes lessons come at unwanted times and it will give you unwanted truths. Other times you learn things you can't unlearn and see things you can't un-see. Regardless, you will grow in ways that you can't learn until one goes beyond their home, and by beyond I mean a completely different country. So, here is what I have learned during my stay in Seoul. We've talked about the hardships being abroad - being homesick, making real friends, being safe, learning social norms and even misreading people you once trusted. But these facets of life is what forms you, not conform you. I believe that these perceptions are followed by enlightenment. It has been a long five months for sure and I simply can't wait to be bolstered by the reunions of my family and friends a day before Christmas Eve. . Studying in a country I have never been in forced me to face obstacles head on. I can't even explain the amount of times I have embarrassed myself here - whether it be stuttering in hangul (Korean Language) or ordering something extremely foreign whilst holding my internal american exposes just to prevent myself from saying something silly in the moment of confusion. Though, I learned that the mass majority of people really do not care what I say. Most of them would simply laugh and it is liberating. This is something you can not learn while sitting comfortably at home and spending you life commuting to the same locations every day. I have learned and am still learning how to appreciate life's simplest experiences. Moreover, finding healthier means in life: appreciating simple friendships, creating something beautiful, lending a simple hand, and laughing with someone you care about this is something I live by everyday. I've learned the hard way that ones greatest assets is not necessarily talent or experiences, it is time. Time gives you the opportunity in taking risks and making mistakes. You can only get away with these things while you're "young", which is why I believe studying abroad is such an invigorating opportunity. INSIGHT :
Dear South Korea, this experience has been absolutely ineffable. Except the cold, the snow, and the occasional "ice skating" to class conditions in December. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for everything you've had to offer and I hope to see you again!
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AuthorCindy is an epicurist, a food photographer, and a self-proclaimed creative writer. When Cindy isn't studying at Korea University Business School (2017), she can be found in cafes, asking random seoulites for directions, or singing at noraebangs (korean karaoke). Archives
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