CHANGE IN PLANS I'M GOING TO PART 2....
So their has been a change in plans. I am guessing you have all heard of the 9.0 earthquake (plus the tsunami that followed) that hit Japan (and then all the radiation stuff on top of that). To read more about my thoughts on the Japan's situation click here.Anyways Rotary (and a lot of other organizations) believes Japan is not such a safe place right now, and they are right. So I have been given the option to go elsewhere in the world. You all must be wondering why I am not ranting and screaming about not getting Japan. I'll tell you I was. For the first two days, after I found out, I was mad as hell. My poor mother had to listen to me rant and whine all day. Then on the third day is struck me, I am lucky. A lot of other exchange programs are not giving their students the option to go to other countries. Also I have already been to Japan for two weeks in 2009. Maybe it is time to go somewhere else.
I also realize one other thing. I think why I was so glad and happy I got Japan was not because I like the country but because I kind of knew what to expect from it. I also knew a fair amount of Japanese. The realization that I would (could of before I got Japan) be in a total different culture, in a language and customs I completely knew nothing about sounded scary. But isn't that what exchange is about? To be like a child and (figuratively) grow up outside of your boundaries. I honestly, now, believe that I would not have changed much if I had gone to Japan due to the fact that I knew some customs, manners, language ect; I am hoping this new country will get me out of my shy comfort zone. Also maybe I was meant to go to this new place. Who knows! These are just some of my random thoughts.
So where am I go?? If you haven't already guessed (by the flag) I am going to:
Taiwan
Yup (it is right next to Japan) my fourth choice XD I have no knowledge about Taiwan culture, customs, foods, language, ect; I know they speak Mandarin and Taiwanese. Today I bought a bunch of Mandarin books (and will start studying them ASAP) and contact the local Chinese Language school.
Even though I am scare I am also excited. I have so many mix emotions that I do not know how to categorize them. They are not bad feelings just uncertainty about what the future holds for me. I think Rotary has taught me two important values so far: 1. Be Open Minded 2. Don't expect the expected.
On Saturday, March19th, I was told that I would be going to either Finland or Taiwan. My district was still waiting for confirmation from both countries. I told Rotary that I would love to go to Finland (as I believe that since I have already been to one Asian country why not go to Europe now) but if that is not a option then I will go to Taiwan.
Each place is a new adventure to me. I have read about both of them these few days and each country sounds interesting in their own ways. But I do believe Mandarin will help me, career wise, later in life. I love Finnish music and Taiwanese dramas.
This morning, March 21st, I got a e-mail saying Finland could not take me this late in the game but Taiwan could. So I am officially going to Taiwan. I am so excited.
I knew about the not going to Japan thing since the earthquake happen but decided not to blog about it till I knew further detail and the new country I would be going to.
April is 1 week away :) I can't believe that. Almost the 4 month countdown time. My orientation is in 1 month XD March has gone unbelievably fast. I always thought Grade 12 year was going slow as Molasses but I look at my exchange blog and I feel like yesterday was September and I am going to my first Rotary Club interview :)
Time has flown by so quickly. Until next time everyone XD
Even though I am scare I am also excited. I have so many mix emotions that I do not know how to categorize them. They are not bad feelings just uncertainty about what the future holds for me. I think Rotary has taught me two important values so far: 1. Be Open Minded 2. Don't expect the expected.
On Saturday, March19th, I was told that I would be going to either Finland or Taiwan. My district was still waiting for confirmation from both countries. I told Rotary that I would love to go to Finland (as I believe that since I have already been to one Asian country why not go to Europe now) but if that is not a option then I will go to Taiwan.
Each place is a new adventure to me. I have read about both of them these few days and each country sounds interesting in their own ways. But I do believe Mandarin will help me, career wise, later in life. I love Finnish music and Taiwanese dramas.
This morning, March 21st, I got a e-mail saying Finland could not take me this late in the game but Taiwan could. So I am officially going to Taiwan. I am so excited.
I knew about the not going to Japan thing since the earthquake happen but decided not to blog about it till I knew further detail and the new country I would be going to.
April is 1 week away :) I can't believe that. Almost the 4 month countdown time. My orientation is in 1 month XD March has gone unbelievably fast. I always thought Grade 12 year was going slow as Molasses but I look at my exchange blog and I feel like yesterday was September and I am going to my first Rotary Club interview :)
Time has flown by so quickly. Until next time everyone XD
Posted at 10:32 PM | 2 comments
.I hope you enjoy reading my oversea journey. Hopefully I can inspire others, like others have inspired me.
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