Hi everyone! Wow, this is the LAST week of my study abroad program until everyone leaves to go home or to do solo traveling. This week used to feel so far away when I thought about it in September and October, and even sometimes in November. Even though I felt it creeping, I would push it to the back of my mind, but now it feels like it snuck up on me. This past week was pretty busy with everybody finishing their final research papers, so there is not much that is exciting to report. We have our presentations tomorrow and presentations for the community on Monday. Tuesday is left for packing and Wednesday is when everybody goes their separate ways. That morning my friend and I will be flying north to Santiago and then hopping on a bus to spend a few days in Algarrobo, which is a beach town about two hours west of the city. I’ll be arriving back home on Christmas Eve just in time for all of the festivities!
During the last few weeks of writing our papers I’ve also been able explore to Puerto Natales more, and through that I’ve gained so much more of an appreciation for it. Every afternoon I started going on runs around the city as a study break, which allowed me to just focus on myself and my surroundings. I’ll truly miss the things that have become such a regular part of my life here, like street art, the dogs, and the constant view of the Andes. I’m looking forward to being home for the holidays, but it’s going to be a bittersweet feeling leaving such a beautiful place that has taught me so much. There were ups and downs, but that is the true reality with anything you are going to do in life. Things don’t always go as planned, you don’t always get along with everybody, and sometimes you feel a little homesick. And that’s okay. It’s how you choose to reflect on and work through those situations that teach you so much about yourself, and that’s what I have found to be one of the most important parts throughout my time here. Only 23 people can say that they were a part of the inaugural semester in Patagonia for The School for Field Studies, and as one of those 23 people, I feel so incredibly lucky. From being here I’ve learned that I love South America and that it is a place that I will be visiting many more times throughout my life.
I will be posting my post-study abroad video once I return to the United States where I will talk more about my reflections and how I feel from the last few months. However, I can say that even if they may now be for different reasons, studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have made as a college student. I’ll be looking forward to posting my video for you all, and I will also be sure to share photos from my time traveling in Algarrobo! Until next time, Cheers!
Please enjoy some photos from our Christmas cookie decorating party today 🙂
Abroad Patagonia. 