New Insights

Being in Australia now for awhile, I feel very comfortable here. This is a feeling almost like being at home. I am into the routine, schoolwork is becoming a focus, and I'm starting to go on a lot of trips. This is a strange feeling, because I never expected it to be like this. What I've realized from it is that I will always be James no matter where I am. This is a great thing I've learned about myself. I am learning new things about myself everyday, and these are contributing to my time abroad greatly.

I went hiking and camping out on Magnetic Island today, off the coast of Townsville. It was great to see the wild side of the island, and go swimming in the ocean.

I have decided for sure now that I will be studying in New Zealand next semester in Christchurch. This was fueled by a few things. The main reason is that I want to make the most of my time here, and get a lot of diversity. New Zealand seems like a great place to go because it's so close, and has many opportunities for me to learn more about Recreation and Tourism Management. This is also a driving force for my decision, because I am starting to think a lot about ideas for the near future. I am getting more and more excited about the direction I am going and the choices I am making everyday. I can the change in action, and I'm loving every second of it. It's strange, because I can't really know if I would have felt like this if I didn't study abroad, but I think thats a major reason.

I am learning more and more about myself, others, and the world in general. I have started to enjoy every moment in every day for what it is. Not thinking about the past, not worrying about the future, but understading that this moment is all that really exists, and is all that really matters. This has come about from a few different experiences. I have a place in the mountains behind my dorm that I go to watch the sunrise and sunset every now and then. This is always incredible to watch. The sunrises and sunsets here in Australia are like nothing I've ever seen. Absolutely beautiful. In these times I remember how small I am, and helps me to get outside of my head. I have always felt something that feels right when I'm close to nature, and now I know to include this in my future.

Every experience here has helped me to get out of my comfort zone and have courage to be myself every moment and enjoy it. I have developed an incredible appreciation for the people at home that I know and love. Everything that I miss and don't have here, doesnt leave me sad, but thankful that I have them.