Submitted by Samantha Bornhardt on the 2018 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Communication…
Before departing for one of the most breathtaking countries in the world, I was constantly bombarded with questions from my family, friends and others. “Aren’t you nervous about the long flight? How long is the flight? Are you afraid to fly alone? Are you scared to be abroad for an entire month? Are you packed yet? Are you ready yet?” Sure, these were all valid questions, but in the days preceding my departure, these concerns were the last things on my mind. I kept to myself about the real worries that truly made me anxious about the trip—I didn’t know anyone.
At UD, I found my people and have definitely grown comfortable. I loved my friends and was pretty content with that, not really wanting to change things up. However, beginning this program and not knowing one name was like starting freshman year all over again. In all honesty, it was even worse because I didn’t have a roommate, to at least start hanging out with. I was alone.
I am a medical diagnostics major on a communications study abroad program, where I was under the assumption that the rest of the students were Communication majors and already knew each other. I was intimidated and scared to approach anyone at the meetings, sitting small and hidden in the far back corner. Being a confident sophomore no longer applied in this situation, as I felt insecure and doubtful about myself. When I came across the other students at the airport, I shied away, acting like I wasn’t a student on the program. Instead of walking up to them to conquer the airport together, I either walked far ahead or fell back, scared to talk to the others. I can say at the start of this program, I have never felt so alone.
Once I arrived in Auckland, I was miserable. I felt secluded and the fact that I was in a foreign country with no phone didn’t help my case either. I tried hard to think of the positives and absorb my surroundings, but I found myself dwelling on the fact that it was cold and pouring rain. Once I got to my single room, I slumped on my bed and thought to myself: “Is this what it feels like to experience culture shock?”
Eventually, I got my big girl pants on and went out to talk to some of the girls. Considering that I was taking a class on the Art of Happiness, I knew I needed to get myself in check and change my outlook. Although it was awkward to introduce myself mid-conversation and admit that I didn’t know anyone’s name, I did it. Just meeting one person changed my attitude and I became more comfortable and accepting of my situation. Instead of thinking I have no friends, putting myself out there made me think I get to make new friends! I went from hating being in a foreign place to loving every second of it.
Now, about a week in, I have 22 new friends who are unique and different. Kiera is fierce, yet bubbly, whereas Meg is funny and compassionate. Sydney, although quiet at first, is hysterical and surprisingly talented when it comes to the native Mauri games we played. Isabel is sweet and kind, Ethan is supportive and thoughtful, Mar is cool, calm and collected, and Meryl is fun and entertaining. Just to name a few, these people I have met on this program have already made a huge impact on my life and I am happy to have opened up to them. I now feel comfortable and confident again, which is allowing me to focus more on the stunning views and invigorating activities of New Zealand. Together, we are traveling the country and experiencing things that I never knew existed. I am so very thankful for the UD study abroad program for bringing me my closest friends, who I would of most likely never have met if it wasn’t for this program!
What my first week taught me in New Zealand was to put myself out there. In order to get the most out of an experience, you have to make yourself uncomfortable. Yes, I was uncomfortable when I first talked to Nicole or when I asked to sit next to Jess at dinner, but it paid off. This experience has made me more confident and open to new things, which will definitely enhance the quality of my time here!
