(This is me as a Scottish astronaut!!)
Being so far away from my family and friends has definitely made me appricate everyone to a different degree. Not that I take people for granted but I have realized how hard it is not to be able to meet up at the movies, grab a coffee and hang out and relax. It’s a different kind of stress being here; my guard is always on. I am at all times the visitor, in the school and in an English home, the American. I am afraid to make a mistake or relax because I feel judged. In everything that I do stereotypes are underlying the way that people see me. I can’t even count the number of times students and adults have said “well, isn’t this better in America?” I have to reply everytime “it’s not better, it’s different.” It is different. I guess it’s human tendency to compare, no one knows this better than me but I still do not understand it. There is not a better twin, Emily and I are different and there is not a better country. Each are “smashing” in their own right.
So this all started with thinking about Thanksgiving and what I am thankful for and here it goes: I am thankful that you cared enough to read my blog, for my family and friends that make me feel at home even when I am far away
I am thankful for questions that my students ask because they make me laugh:
(can you talk normal? I mean have you ever tried to talk normally? , If you do something bad in the US and there’s a police officier will he shoot you? , Do you carry a gun? , What celebrities are you friends with? , Are you famous?)
along the same lines I am thankful for the funny things my students say without realizing it:
(Miss, it’s all wonkie, my drawing is rubbish!!, Wow, that’s wicked, Do you have a partner that you fancy?)
I am thankful for all the people that have gone out of their way for me since I’ve been in England!
Libby, your maturity level far exceeds your young years. We are all so proud of your accomplishments and I know you will come home leaving a much better impression of Americans with those whose lives you have touched in the U.K.
Lots of Love,
A.J.
Hi Libby!
I’m thankful for your blog, it makes it feel like you aren’t so far away. It sounds like things are going well and I know what you mean about homesickness (Einie and I are too). I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures at Christmas time.
Miss you tons!
lots of love,
em
Your perspective on things is incredible!! I do believe that this experience will make you a beter person (even though you are already pretty great) Having experiences like you are able to have truly make you appreciate things in life.
In reading your blog this time, I feel sad because I know how things are in England, and the children you are teaching only have the news to know about America. In their eyes we are movie stars and guns. That is sad because they will probably never know whatelse this country has to offer.
Gosh, can you believe your English friend is saying this. But it is true, and I don’t think Americans ever realize how lucky they have it.
Talk to you soon
S