FIRST SEMESTER ABROAD

This week concludes my first semester abroad, my first 4 months away from my family and friends. I have learned so many things and have turned into a very independent woman. From going grocery shopping to paying for my books and classes. I learned how to deal with people, I tried my hardest to be extrovert rather than introvert (I tried at least) and I realized how much I care about my family now that I'm gone.

Some things I learned from my first semester abroad:

ROOMMATES:
- You will probable get stuck with a noisy roommate and you'll have to learn how to communicate your feelings toward her/his behavior.
- It always happen to me that I'm the messy one, so I should keep up with my game.
- Sharing is caring, I don't know what I would have done without my roommate's microwave and fridge.

CLASSES:
- Never miss a class, even if you don't pay attention at all because there's always something you'll catch up.
- Be early if possible. That way you can compare notes with classmates or make new friends.
- Schedule your school work per week, and very detailed.
- Don't be afraid of going to the library, that's the best place to focus.

FOOD:
- Don't eat pizza everyday.
- Make use of the salad bar.
- Don't waste your money if you have free meals at the dining hall.

NEW COUNTRY:
- Lock your passport and money in a safety box.
- Remember to sign the I-20 before leaving.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
- Text your mom everyday about your whereabouts and achievements.
- Text your friends and just talk about non sense.
- Skype with your grandparents at least once.
- Buy them gifts when you come back :)

There's was a point in the semester where I thought I was not going to make it, where I was considering changing majors, and where I could not just keep up with the work. However, I ended up with high grades and a very happy ending, considering the fact that I didn't change my major or had a failed class.
I also made a couple of friends, which is a very rare improvement for me. One of them is kind of close and I feel good about it. I still feel anxiety when it comes to hang outs or social events but I'm putting myself out there and that's the important thing.

FIRST HALF of the TERM!

These past 8 weeks have flown by so fast! Actually we are still on week 7 but still. When I first came here I was so afraid and nervous about all the changes and things I would have to adapt to. If I'm being sincere I thought that I would end up this term without one single friend, but things work out eventually for good.

So, some things I have learned in my first half:

• Learn to communicate with your roommate if they are being to noisy or annoying. Nothing will change if you don't communicate and take for granted that they won't realize by themselves what a pain in the ass they are. 
• It's not a big deal to eat by yourself sometimes. We all have different schedules or classes after lunch and you can't afford a chance to get late to class because you didn't want to be rude and leave your friend alone. Eating alone gives you a piece of mind you won't get when you are back in your room with your obnoxious roommate. 
• YOU WILL BE HOMESICK. No matter how brave and independent you say you are, you will always miss your family and friends, specially your mommy and daddy. Don't be an ass and skype with them once in a while, they will feel that you love them so much you are sparing your study time for them. 
• Don't get your panties in a knot if your first assignment was not an A. People always feel the first assignment should be an A because it is the easy one, when in fact is the hardest one because you are not used to the new system yet. 
• Use weekends to make errands and rest. If you are a party person plan the weekends when you know you don't have any big tests coming up. You will see what I'm saying about using weekends to rest when you get there, you won't have enough time to take a quick nap in between classes or during the week because you'll use all that time to school related responsibilities and taking care of yourself (gym, food, social). 
• FRESHMAN 15! I'm lucky enough my university provides so much tools for me to be healthy; a gym, a trail, outdoor recreation (kayak, rope course, stand up paddling, frisbee). Take advantage all of these to never get the freshman 15. 
• Don't bother taking the bus if the building for your next class is a 15 minute walk. If you don't wanna get those freshman 15 a good 15 walk everyday will help a lot. 
• BE GOOD TO SQUIRRELS and they'll be good to you :)