So while I’ve written ‘the last post’, I thought a little update was due for my readers because at the moment I am in Germany for a visit! Since I’ve last written many things have changed for me, currently I live in Sydney and I am about to begin my last year of nursing at university, all going well I should have a new grad position somewhere next year. Its actually kind of funny to re read some of my old posts and remember how worried I was about moving to the big city in Australia and being an official adult, but honestly i love where I am in my life and I am so excited for what my future holds.
I have also been lucky enough to find someone special enough to put up with me (featured in the below photos). We are making this trip together through Germany, England, Scotland and Ireland and will be back to Australia on the 2nd Feb. We met at university and he’s brought me a whole new kind of happiness which had been great both of us.
In other news I am now ‘Aunt Luce’ to a beautiful little one with another on the way! Funnily enough, because I posted a few pictures with the baby, I had friends from Germany ask if the child was mine and was now a mother For me definitely not within the next 5 years, but I have come round to the idea of having a family.
I had a few jobs last year as a bartender and gaming assistant which I loved – hopefully I have a retail job lined up for when I come back which I am really looking forward to.
So while we’ve been in Germany we have visited Kiel, Eckenförde, Hamburg and been to Berlin for 2 days. We’ve also had catch ups with some old school friends and my host families whilst staying in the home of a friend’s family which has been wonderful! It took some time but we are finally on the German time zone, although a little worn out by the end of the day. It’s been great having all the foods that I missed, especially the German breakfast with Brötchen, meats and cheese – not forgetting the amazing Döner restaurants.
Last night I was asked if my exchange had changed me in any way, my answer was of course yes. I used to be a shy person who would hide behind her parents at social events and the thought of talking with lots of people was never pleasant, however during exchange I had no option but to learn this skill and without it I never would have met my partner. That for me I think is the biggest change I experienced post exchange; the ability to now talk to anyone and make friends easily. This skill is also extremely important in my job as a nurse and it makes developing trust with patients so much easier. I also have so much confidence and learned to stand up for myself when needed. My German may not be perfect and I may still find general conversations difficult in my second language but I feel what I can do is a huge achievement for me. If there’s one thing to take away from this, it would be something that I’ve been saying for the last 3 years whenever someone asks me about the experiences and life changes post Germany, “Exchange turns you into the person who you’re meant to be”.
Well I really think that’s about all, I hope the last 3 years have been filled with happiness for each of you and your families too!
Here’s to the next great adventure, tschüß!