So I just got back from a hotel on the equator, expect pictures and video on Monday. I think I might try using photobucket because blogger has a limit of data, but it can also display a slideshow of pictures uploaded to photobucket.
Anyway, the trip to the equator this weekend was supposed to be a sort of bonding experience for all the students, and I think it worked in some respect, I mean, we all are getting along. But as far as making friends though I´m not having much luck. Normally I´d be like ¨pff, I´ve already got tons of great friends like those of you reading the blog¨ but I´ve reached the point here where I´ve realized that this isn´t just some short trip, it´s not like I´m going back soon, I´m going to be here for 14 weeks, 8 of those I´m going to be taking classes with the other students.
So yeah, glad we bonded, but at the same time I now feel somewhat estranged after everyone shared their lives. ESPECIALLY last night, when I ended up in a large group that decided to go around a circle and talk about their ¨real¨families - suffice it to say, I didn´t offer my story (figured it might be kind of a downer). Meanwhile, other people shared stories of their travels or their party-going, and again I´m just sort of sitting on the periphery of conversations because I don´t have nearly as many experiences. Naturally, I start to feel self-conscious and worry that I´m being anti-social so I keep putting myself into these conversations.
I guess what I´m trying to say is, I miss you guys! Jonathan, Jacob, Adam, Lillie, Karen, Curtiss, Alyssa, Tom, Tina, and everybody else who have made me feel like I belong somewhere.
And it hasn´t even been a week yet... awesome.
Hi Dane,
ReplyDeleteThat's hard. Hang in there - you are definitely worth getting to know. You may feel on the outside of the group now, but just the fact that you are there shows remarkable courage and fortitude. Stay open to the possibilities and know that you belong...
Laurie
Dane! I'm really glad you wrote this post because I feel the same way most of the time... especially out here in NY... and I miss you too! Eat lots of Hershey's chocolate to cheer up, things will get better because you are such an amazing and interesting person and things always get better for amazing people. Like you say, it hasn't even been a week yet... :)
ReplyDeleteYeah man hang in there. Just be yourself and I'm sure everything will work out. It sucks that your not here this semester, but your going to have an awesome experience. I look forward to seeing you second semester, but live in the moment now and take it easy.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you too, Dane! But it's a great experience and you've got to give it some time. It's hard to make close friends in a week, so just look at the 14 weeks as a good thing. You don't have to rush into getting to know these people, you will have long enough to become good friends. Enjoy it, things will get better as you get used to them and your new surroundings!
ReplyDeleteSorry, once again this is Alyssa. And the comment above me is, too. I can't figure out how to get it to put my name.
ReplyDeleteHi Dane,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates. Glad you are seeing Ecuador. I am sorry to hear about the group dynamics. Hopefully that will improve over time. Also, your life is worth sharing and I hope people try to get to know you better.
We do miss you a lot. Don't tell anyone but I have been eating the brownies you made. They are quite good!! We went to the MN Fair today. It was fun.
Hang in there and keep posting photos. Were are living vicariously through you. Know that you always belong in our home and we are proud and honored to call you a member of our family!
Curtiss
Hey Dane! I hope you're having more luck since you posted this! Just know that (as everyone else has already said) you're an awesome person, and absolutely worth getting to know. Just stick your neck out there and I'm sure you'll find at least one other person to hang out with who isn't into binge drinking :) Espero que todo va bien! Cuidate!
ReplyDeleteRachel
Hey Dane...Leslie here. Thinking of you. Listen---you're the sum of all of your experiences and choices in life. Let me tell you that I think you're a hell of a lot more interesting than your average Joe (or Jose). Have a great time, keep posting. Life here in Minnie is very much same old. Viva your exploration!!!
ReplyDelete