Blog #1: Six-Word Memoir - Those Will Be The Best Memories

When I was a freshman in high school I decided that I would embark on a new adventure, and take advantage of my dual citizenship and study abroad in Sweden. I love learning more about my heritage and Swedish culture. I had no idea what I was going to experience, and that thrill of new experiences had me so excited to start a new chapter of my life. That one year away from everything I knew, was truly the most life changing experience. A culture shock. Everyday was a new learning lesson, in the classroom at my new school, every place I went, and all the new faces and people I met. Creating lifelong friendships and spending more time with my Swedish family. All of these new experiences and opportunities I came across that year has shaped me and grow as a woman. After my year abroad, when I returned to San Diego I realized I wanted to go back to Sweden and finish high school overseas. I felt that I was not done learning and growing more in such a beautiful country. Having to say goodbye to my friends and family once again was challenging, however the new experiences I was going to venture into I knew was going to be remarkable I could not pass it up. 

Living abroad without my parents at age 15 and throughout my teenage years was complex and so much fun all at the same time. I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses and had so much fun along the way with it. Learning the Swedish language since I was a baby with my mom was excellent exposure but everyday conversation with my mom did not come close to being in a high school with people my age who have had Swedish schooling for 11 years. Being exposed to slang with my new friends in Sweden, and catching up to their level academically and the level I was expected to be at just like all my peers was one of the biggest challenges. I worked so hard every day and went to so much tutoring to be up to speed in my classes. I knew I really had it down when people knew I was from Stockholm and could not hear my American accent. I am forever grateful for the people I have in my life now because of this time I spent in Sweden and attending one of the best high schools in the country. The cultural differences and culture shock I came across was not as challenging for me because I love the Swedish way of living so much and I became so comfortable there over the years. Besides the long-cold winters, which are a beautiful winter wonderland, but being a San Diego girl, I had no experiences with real seasons. Sweden is essentially a utopia because as a country the people and way of life is so extraordinary. I learned so much about myself, and would not be the independent, curious and fun-loving woman I am today without these experiences under my belt.