As the decade draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my year abroad and the difference this last fall made in my life. My first semester here in Lund, Sweden, was not all rosy. As I stated in my scholarship report last semester, it was quite a rough and lonely time for me. I almost left Sweden altogether, but my mom convinced me to stay and try again this semester. I needed to be more patient, she said, and try harder. At first she made me angry. I was trying! But she was right, and staying in Sweden and learning to overcome the hardship was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I grew so much and gained so many friends and experiences. I’ve even fallen in love with the greatest Swedish guy. But all of it was hard work and I really had to put myself out there. This semester, I decided to put myself wholly into one of the student nations in Lund, Kalmar Nation. I was nominated and won the position of PR foreman, which gave me the opportunity to make graphics and posters to promote the nation’s weekly activities. On occasion I worked as a bartender at Kalmar’s weekly pub. I also auditioned for and was cast as a lead role in the Kalmar Spex, a type of comedic and improv-heavy play that’s unique to Swedish culture. I went to a formal ball as a representative of Kalmar Nation, and was a frequent guest at Kalmar’s sittnings and formal dinners. For the first time since I came to Sweden and one of the first times in my life, I truly felt like I was a part of a family. Just last night, I celebrated Christmas with a cozy dinner comprised of fellow Kalmarites, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend it. Though my UCEAP endeavors are coming to an end way too soon, this won’t be the end to my life in Sweden. My life is here now with all the people I love. As much as I appreciate my experiences at Berkeley, I don’t feel changed in the same way as I do from my time here in Sweden. As a very international school, Lund gave me the opportunity to communicate and work with people from all over the world in a way that wasn’t possible at Berkeley. Berkeley challenged me to grow academically, but Lund challenged me to grow as a person. Now, I am officially done with my bachelor’s degree and am applying to do a master’s here at Lund University. In time, I hope to perfect my Swedish and immigrate permanently to Sweden.
My first semester in Lund, Sweden was not all rosy, but learning to overcome hardship was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I grew so much and gained so many friends and experiences. As much as I appreciate my experiences at Berkeley, I don't feel changed in the same way as I do from my time in Sweden. Berkeley challenged me to grow academically, but Lund challenged me to grow as a person.