One of the biggest realizations I came to, as I saw my family in the airport for the first time in 11 months, was that to be happy, all we need to do is to enjoy the nows. I could have been homesick in Denmark, constantly thinking about my family and friends in Indiana the whole time, but I chose to enjoy the current time I was spending in Denmark and living every single second of it (even if that meant little sleep and lots of coffee). I could have been sad and crying sad tears saying goodbye to my third host family and first host mom in the airport, but instead I chose to enjoy the feeling that came with realizing that these people who were first strangers to me, are my family now and opened their homes and their hearts to me. I was crying happy tears through the security line, realizing how blessed I was to have such amazing families - I enjoyed that in the present. I could have been sad to be back in Fort Wayne, as I stepped out into the July Indiana heat, but instead I chose to enjoy that moment in the now, the moment of being able to see and embrace my family and close friends for the first time in 11 months. Happiness is just a mindset, and exchange has helped me realize this.
Another thing I learned was about the preciousness and beauty of humanity. As I said before, these people that hosted me were first strangers, but they invited me into their homes and made sure I was a part of their families. They put up with my poor bike riding skills, my struggle to learn Danish, and my crazy American mindset and now I love telling people how host families turn into real families. I could not have been more blessed to have such amazing families whilst in Denmark. Also, this appreciation extends to my Danish friends. I had a class throughout the year who was more than willing to help me with my Danish, make sure I was a part of the class and events, and teach me about Danish culture from a youth standpoints. I left Denmark with an amazing group of friends with my class and even better memories that I made with them. I was struck by the beauty of humanity while in Denmark- these people didn't have to welcome me into their homes and my class didn't have to befriend me, but they chose to and they are the main reason why my exchange was fantastic and why I still miss Denmark to this day (thought I make sure to enjoy the nows of senior year).
Was leaving Denmark hard? Yes. I spent a whole year building up this life for me in this new city and country. I learned the language, I embraced the culture, and I befriended the people, but I don't have to leave them in spirit. The great thing about 2015 is that it's a time of technology and online communication. I can text my friends and family at anytime and can communicate with them easily through Facebook. The same goes for my exchange student friends - after spending countless days exploring Copenhagen, eating kebab, and finding local cafes, it was difficult to say goodbye. It's neat to know, though, that I have friends all over the world now and I can still talk to them almost every day.
So this brings me to the "now" of Fort Wayne. I did experience (and still sometimes do) reverse culture shock when coming back to Fort Wayne. Everything seemed different, but in reality, it was actually me who did the changing. I don't fit in the same place that I used to before exchange, but that doesn't mean Fort Wayne doesn't have a place for me- I just found a new niche. I've had great friends who've helped me readjust and my parents have put up with all my Danish stories. I've been able to continue to participate in my sponsoring Rotary Club, who let me present a slideshow about my year abroad and still invites me to amazing events such as their Centennial Gala. I'm proud to be involved with such a great organization who is truly making a difference in the world.
So now is the time for college applications, hard studying, and enjoying my last year at home. Although half of my heart still lives in Denmark, I've come to enjoy the "nows" of being in Fort Wayne. I'm enjoying my friends, the time spent with my family, and the little things in life, and that is what exchange has taught me - sometimes the little things in life leave the biggest impact. So although I'm done with my exchange year, this is not the end- in fact, it's just the beginning.
(cheesy pictures below)
Sophie