So I returned back to the states yesterday around 6pm; after a nice 2 hour delay stuck on the plane on the run way in Heathrow and a nice 8 hour plane ride (which took a detour to spain because of the volcanic ash). Leaving from my place on
Kensington it was hard to believe that I was going to be back in the states that night. I’m still not sure how I feel about it now waking up in my own bed this morning. I’m also thinking that It won’t really hit me for another week after a while.
Thinking back I look at who and where I was before I left before the trip; nervous, scared, excited, curious, and unsure about what the future/experience was going to give me. After all of this – I am happy to say that this has been the best experience I have had in my life. Getting to live, meet, work, study, form friendships with people and cultures vastly different from myself. It gave me the chance to really see and understand the countries
outside the us (as well as show me why americans can be given such bad names in some parts of the world). If there is anything that I have learned through this experience it has been one thing: I should never assume that my culture is “correct” and others are wrong.
At dinner last night while talking about my trip with my folks I have realized something. Which I have felt strongly before my trip, and only after my experience that to judge other cultures/countries/people who are different by my own (culture/countries/people) is wrong. For me to evaluate some bodies else way living who comes from a different back ground than my own isn’t fair and not correct. Who is to say my way is better than theirs or theirs better than mine?
For others who may be thinking about trying what I did or something similar I can’t encourage you enough to try. However to be honest, although it can be amazing experience, it doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult or frustrating at times but I wouldn’t try to not have that stop you. This experience has also made me realize and made things clearer on where, what, and 
how I want my life to be like in the future. I will greatly miss the people I have met and been friends with while on my travels but, if anything, this has just given me a good excuse to go back to the UK.
I also like to add that I had the privilege to meet and stay with some very interesting people these previous months as well. All whom I will be greatly miss but have helped form my great memories of the UK. The memories I have will always stay with me. Than finally I want to thank my family. Some more than others really helped me and make this chance possible. For that I can’t say how much I am thankful and love them for all of what they have done. Thank you.
As for everyone else – thank you too for being supportive (you know who you are) and supportive. I hope that through my pictures, writing, and descriptions I have opened up your mind or got you curious about the world. There are a lot of great
things to see and I know I’m not finished yet. Good luck and everyone have a great summer and I’ll be seeing you all next fall. As for my friends who are graduating – I wish you the best of luck for the future and, although I might have not been there this previous spring, I hope on seeing all of you in the future!
