Laura G on setting goals

Since we just got back from Spring Break and officially only have 19 (we’re in the teens WOW) days left, this blog post is dedicated to all the mixed feelings I’ve been having.

A topic of conversation that’s come up a lot among some of us has been what it’ll be like to go home and our feelings on it. I, personally, am not extending so home is not that far off. A huge part of me is excited to return to UConn and see my friends from home. Another part of me is terrified because I don’t know what adjusting back to home will be like. Lastly, I’m nervous. How will I feel returning?

I’m so thankful for the time I’ve had here so far. Cape Town has welcomed me with open arms. I do miss pizza, bagels, and iced coffee, though! It’s weird, this constant roller coaster of emotions. I can’t imagine not waking up and seeing all my fellow co-educators. We really became a family, more than I expected. I decided recently that I’m going to write goals for myself for when I go home. I know I’ll struggle with adjusting back home, and I think writing goals will definitely help me focus on what’s in front of me. Here are some of them thus far:

·      Learn new hobbies! I’ve always wanted to learn how to knit because it seems fun and I could make cool things.

·      Don’t let fear hold me back from doing things I enjoy. Cliché, I know, but for me it’s really relevant. I love to sing, for example, but never do because I get nervous. It’s something I genuinely enjoy, though, so I want to make a note of doing it more.

·      Incorporate more vegetarian/vegan food in my life. I always eat the same things; I want to mix it up! Also this is what happens when you live with vegetarians/vegans for three and a half months.

·      VOLUNTEER! I already began looking in the UConn area, actually.

·      Exercise! I ran more when I was here than I ever have before. It really helps my mental health, so I need to try hard to stick to it.

Those are the goals thus far! I know I will add to it more before I go. Cape Town has given me the opportunity to explore myself and figure out what I want to do (for the rest of my life and for fun). I’m constantly growing and changing and I know that. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that. Here’s to making these last three weeks the best ones yet!