Challenge Accepted

Journalism has presented its first challenge in Australia. Upon sitting in my classes last week, I realized everything is completely different than my accustomed thinking. I have been programmed by the first amendment and all the court cases I have read about are U.S. based. My legal and ethics course is eye-opening because I have never really thought about our policies as unique to the country. No I’m not the American stuck in her bubble that is just something that I am fascinated by studying abroad. It blows my mind to think about each country with their own government policies and rules, but at the end of the day we all work together as a world. Think about it J I have to attend court and report about it which could be interesting after studying American court proceedings. I also have to be published on wikinews for a high distinction credit. Wow! Awesome I feel like once I am published I’ll be tempted to write more and more to see if it makes the cut. But my new struggle now is what do I write about? Staying current in dorm life is a bit difficult, Newyorktimes.com? I miss the news at ten every night! My indigenous studies class is unreal! I’m loving every minute learning about all of their survival and life skills. To think that a civilization can survive in the Australian desert for thousands of years is absolutely remarkable. Aboriginals rock J

Obviously from the sounds of my amazement I’m loving classes so far, minus newsroom practice which I have quickly switched out. I’m starting to get to know more faces and people around Campus East and I’ve have turned into a beach bum. I love the waves! And I love the relaxed style of everything. I’m going to come back with a closet full of billabong and even more sun streaked hair. It’s making me rethink going to a landlocked school, but not really. I love IU! I would never leave J

We went out into town with a couple boys we met on the beach Saturday for dinner. Promise it wasn’t scary strangers mom! It was a great time and I learned my way around after we got lost several times trying to find the restaurant…locals? One of them is from Dala so this weekend we’re planning to go visit his family and they are going to teach us how to surf! I can’t wait!

Although I just talked about making friends here, it has become a challenge I've noticed to get close to people. While we are here and are having the time of our lives abroad, the UOW students are just living the typical college life. They are in relationships and have strong bonds with individuals already. I was talking with a person at dinner one night and they phrased it like this, "It's another crop of international kids coming in for the semester." Harsh but true. We come play for a brief period than leave the pieces behind. At IU we really don't have international students, so I can't say I've dealt with them. I can totally see where they are coming from though. Untouchables? Not quite. It's just another obstacle to work around. Don't worry this wasn't a negative rant or anything bad, just thinking out loud! 

The weather is getting nicer by the day thank goodness! It was 72 and sunny today...perfect for the beach! I have been checking my mail nearly 3x daily, the office workers probably love me…

Miss everyone so much! I can’t believe it is already August. Time is flying, soon I’ll be off for break then home for Thanksgiving! Does anyone have suggestions for places near/in Australia to visit?