Without exaggeration, very long awaited was the day I was selected an exchange student. Ironically, however, anxiety came together with—if not before—joy. The reason was simple: it was going to be my third time abroad, but first alone. For the record, I am not a picky person. Nonetheless, the absence of my mom’s home cooked meal, not to mention the absence of her presence, was my biggest concern. Days of worries crossed with days of anticipation, until I finally took my first step unto the “Land ofOpportunity ”.

 

 

 

 

 

Centenary College is a co-ed school in New Jersey . Frankly speaking, although I chose to come here, I could not rid myself of the doubts that a small school (compared to Ewha), and a small town never have been stages of my life. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to gain what I wanted in the given period of time, but it didn’t take long to feel relieved. The key was to become more active and to keep myself as busy as possible. I wanted my year to be “American,” by doing what could only be experienced here, and by collecting those that could only be harvested from her soil.

 

 

 

 

 

Among a wide variety of activities, horseback riding and the trip to Louisiana were most memorable.CentenaryCollege is celebrated for its equine programs and the offered courses were open to non-major students as well. This grabbed my attention at sight and filled me up with curiosity. I signed up for the riding class without hesitation. Hopes were high up, but to my delight, it was even more adventurous and meaningful than I thought it would be. Not only did I learn the technicalities of riding, but I also learned to become a real horseman. Chatting about horses and taking good care of them became a big part of my everyday life. Eventually, I ended up taking my favorite class the entire year. The best part was that it helped me deal with homesickness. Riding gave me the opportunity to truly dedicate myself with all heart and brought happiness at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

Louisiana was another special experience. Every January for the past three years,CentenaryCollege andDrewUniversity sent their students and faculty members down to New Orleans for ten days to assist people still suffering from the aftermaths of Hurricane Katrina. Even though quite some time had passed since the hurricane struck New Orleans , the city was still the devastated land, and its people were still the desperate victims from three years ago. In small groups, we were sent to different places to help rebuild the houses. Driving back and forth for forty hours, sleeping in cots, and taking showers in ice cold water were unforgettable than uncomfortable. Hanging out with friends on

Bourbon Street
was exotic and a great way to relive fatigue, although honestly it wasn’t all that easy to get up the next morning. My contribution was a mere single piece of an enormous puzzle, but the completed work was absolutely majestic. This truly was the best trip ever in my life.

 

was exotic and a great way to relive fatigue, although honestly it wasn’t all that easy to get up the next morning. My contribution was a mere single piece of an enormous puzzle, but the completed work was absolutely majestic. This truly was the best trip ever in my life.

 

was exotic and a great way to relive fatigue, although honestly it wasn’t all that easy to get up the next morning. My contribution was a mere single piece of an enormous puzzle, but the completed work was absolutely majestic. This truly was the best trip ever in my life.

 

was exotic and a great way to relive fatigue, although honestly it wasn’t all that easy to get up the next morning. My contribution was a mere single piece of an enormous puzzle, but the completed work was absolutely majestic. This truly was the best trip ever in my life.

 

was exotic and a great way to relive fatigue, although honestly it wasn’t all that easy to get up the next morning. My contribution was a mere single piece of an enormous puzzle, but the completed work was absolutely majestic. This truly was the best trip ever in my life.

 

             I now have only two weeks left before returning home. Worries were only worries, since I had the “time of my life.” It still feels as though there are parties and events waiting. It’s hard to admit that I have to say goodbye to all my friends here, including of course, the horses. I probably wouldn’t be able to spend as many weekends in Manhattan as I had this year round. However, I am ready to leave. It is because I am returning with stories and memories I will cherish forever. It is because I am returning to those I love. People used to ask me why I had chosen a small school in a small town, but I now ask in return: “why not?”

Jung Hyo-rin (English Education, 4) is currently studying at Centenary College in New Jersey from July 2007.

caption-Jung Hyo-rin (middle) poses with friends during her visit to Louisiana.

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