19 Dec Be Happy!

As my semester is coming to its end, I would like to write some conclusive words in this blog for the future exchange student and summarize briefly my time in SF. Dear students, I promise you that at one point during the semester you will recognize the huge progress you did in terms of developing your personality. During your time in SF you do not only gain new knowledge in the university, you also learn yourself better. The semester will change your views on many different things in life and influence your future more than you think. 

So, what is my conclusion? In my opinion the main things I learned while been away for half a year from friends, family and all the familiar environment, are about the personal development. Through all the challenges I was permanently confronted with here, I could determine my strength and weaknesses and where I have to work on myself more. 

For example challenges like homesickness will reach you sooner or later but I suggest you to see even that as a great opportunity. As soon as the feeling of homesickness come over you, try to determine what are you really missing at that moment. Is it your family, the deep talks with your friends or maybe your nice, cozy room at home? Then you will appreciate the things you have at home much more. It is the opportunity to think about things with are important to you and you do not want miss anymore in future. 

Another hard challenge is to make decisions, as you are on your own here. It starts with planning your day and it is important to know in advance what you want. A helpful solution in order to make the decision making process easier is to make plans and obligatory to-do lists in advance. For sure not all decisions will be right and satisfying, but this is a great chance to learn from that and make it better in future. Take into account that no-one will be able to make you happy and you alone are responsible for your own happiness. So, plan your days, create feasible goals, determine what makes you happy and you will see how open the world will be to you. 

The semester abroad is a great opportunity to live only for yourself in the way you want it and work on yourself. As a result you will see how more mature and independent you became. 

Be happy and enjoy that unique time!

And for me it is time to say goodbye. Dear SFSU, it was a pleasure to be your student!

All the best, Anja