Home in Gießen
I would like to think of myself as headstrong. That I can comfortably persevere through every challenge that comes my way and adapt quickly to change.
Well, once I moved to Giessen, Germany for the summer, I learned that I am clearly not as brave as I thought myself to be. It has been over a week since I’ve settled down, and I would say that independently acclimating to a foreign country is one of the toughest (and greatest learning) experience of my life.
First off, these past few days, I realized that my life is WACK. Sometimes, I feel like my life is full of unexpected surprises that came straight from a movie. Why might this be the case? Because I keep on making decisions without careful consideration of what the decision entails.
Side note: I seriously need to get my shit together.
For example, I didn’t think too much when I committed to an internship in Germany. For me, it was an excuse to get away from home. Thus, I bought my plane ticket, agreed to live with four Germans, boarded a direct flight to Frankfurt, and ended up in a foreign country without much of a plan.
To be completely honest, the first few days in Giessen was unexpectedly awful. I was lonely and the town itself was underwhelming. First of all, back home, I’m roasted (or “slated”) for having TOO many friends and being too busy to spend time with people. Now, I had too much free time (before I began my work), and no one to make plans with. Up until then, I would’ve described my experience as if I got dropped off in the middle of nowhere, Germany, where I did not know the language, people, or mannerism. I had imagined my experience studying abroad would be similar to interning abroad. Well, I would learn that my time in Chile would be nothing similar to what I am experiencing now. I have been completely immersed and integrated into the German lifestyle. I was out of my comfort zone, and unlike study abroad programs, I did not have the comfort of professors and students from back home. Also, I initially thought I was the only intern placed in this town. The problem isn’t that I’m not social, but I didn’t know where to find platforms to meet people. My survival instincts were definitely kicking in.
Context: Giessen is a town in the state of Hesse with a population of approximately 85,000 people, mainly made up of university students. It has a college town vibe, but the semester is ending so many students have been leaving for home. During WWII, heavy bombing destroyed a majority of Giessen, thus it is not as picturesque as the cliché German towns.
Long story short, my experience wasn’t as glamorous as I imagined it to be. BUT, I also realized how incredibly impatient I am when it comes to acclimating. All of these thoughts were felt when I had only settled down for a few days, and I take responsibility for being dramatic as well.
As always, there is a happy continuous-ending! I caught myself call Giessen “home” a few days ago. I’m comfortable and happy and thankful I decided to move to this random ass town for the summer. This town has definitely been growing on to me because of the wonderful people I have met. I like to describe Giessen as “quaint”. With an outlook focused on the larger picture, I have realized:
When do you have this opportunity to live abroad, specifically completely integrate yourself with locals and truly experience the spirit of the people?
I LOVE my flat and flatmates. I got really lucky because I met these wonderful people who constantly try to make me comfortable, and they continue to blow me away with their kindness.
My mentor and coworkers are so so so great and so so so welcoming.
I made new friends from ALL over the world. First off, I love people and the best part about making these connections is comparing cultural experiences, which is VERY cool. For example, I got a first-hand account of how British people think of Americans. Very interesting!
And this is what I have learned within the span of one week:
“Feel comfortable in any uncomfortable circumstances. We will lead you through this.” – Chris the Flatmate
This mans is seriously one of my all-time favorite people. I don’t think I have ever met someone so welcoming, self-less, and GENUINELY caring. This quote is one of the first messages we exchanged, and it gave me so much comfort when I was nervous about traveling alone. I think this entire experience so far encompass the idea of being uncomfortable. And, he has shown me that it is okay to feel that way, and with time, everything will come together.
Make yourself vulnerable to form new connections, but learn to embrace your alone time. – Sy the bRHO
As an extrovert, I hate being alone. I constantly need to surround myself with people, and this made it extra tough during my first few days when I did not know anyone. Who else to reach out to when you’re having troubles, but Sy! He would share with me that it’s important to put yourself out there, but it is also fine to be alone and embrace experiences for solely yourself.
You create your own luck. – Dan from England
I always thought I CONSTANTLY got lucky with the people I meet and the group dynamics I become a part of. Well, my new friend named Dan strongly disagreed. He suggested that things don’t happen because of luck rather because you took initiative to take risks and make those connections. His comment definitely got me thinking during our long 4-hour bus ride home.
My takeaway: life seriously begins outside of your comfort zone.
I want it to be known that on the outside, it may seem that it’s pretty glamorous how I’m living in Germany for the summer, but I definitely experienced my many ups and downs. Any new experience will NEVER be perfect. However, this terrifying experience turned into one of the most memorable adventures of my life that is only beginning! In reality, I have been here for almost 10 days, but it feels like forever. I love my little and quaint town, and I’m slowly forming connections with people here. If it weren’t for the risks I made to meet new people or to move to a foreign town for the summer, I don’t think I would be feeling this HAPPY right now. That is all!
Random highlights that made me happy:
It was the 4th of July, and I came home from a mentally-draining 12-hour shift in the lab. I didn’t mind missing out on festivities back home, but it was a bummer to cancel dinner plans with my flatmate. When I arrived home, I was shocked to find an American flag cake that my flatmate made for me. It was such a kind gesture, and I felt a little bit less lonely in Giessen.
Last weekend, I had a conference in Heidelberg. I decided to take a BlaBlaCar, a cheap alternative to Uber where the driver makes multiple stops in towns along the way. Just to make sure I was safe, my flatmate Chris walked me to the pickup location, spoke to the driver who only knows German, and made sure I made it to Heidelberg in one piece. I didn’t even ask him to take me, yet he decided to take time out of his morning for me. I have established that Chris is my older brother in Germany, but, if he was 5 years older, he could technically be my dad or skater grandpa.
Research is REALLY GOOD! While working 40 hours a week is not fun, I’m kind of proud of myself for quickly absorbing the science! After my first day, I somehow managed to pick up on the techniques and theory. Also, Anja, my mentor is incredibly kind, welcoming, and patient. I love her so much.
Immersing myself in the sub pop / underground music scene here in Giessen because of dope music recommendations from Johannes!
Discovered that there’s another intern in my town and German BBQs are always fun!
Received an invite to my coworker’s wedding!