What have I been up to?
Too those who may be following my adventures, I wanted to apologize for taking some months off after having started writing! I have really been focusing on myself lately and settling into Germany as well as traveling a bit. Soon, I will write a few posts about my travels...but in the meantime, I also wanted to explain what I have been working on!
1. I have decided to get my masters in Germany, and thus I have been working on applying to colleges for either the upcoming summer semester or next years winter semester. I am looking at programs in areas such as global studies, international relations, and intercultural relations among others. Germany luckily has many tuition-free schools and I am lucky enough to currently be supported by my parents while I apply and search for jobs to fund my living expenses.
2. After much convincing towards the Ansbach District Office, I was able to obtain a 9 month residential permit. This allows me to stay in Germany until next summer, allowing me time to apply to grad schools and find a job.
3. Although I am looking at English speaking grad school programs, I am still determined to learn German fluently...which will take some time. I have been working on various programs, watching films, listening to German music, reading short books, and spiking up conversation every once in a while with locals.
4. For inspiration, I have been reading a lot of books which is something that I didn't have much time to do in college and it has been AWESOME. One book that exceptionally moved me was "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed, which I highly recommend. (Some quotes I loved from the book may even show up in future blog posts...) It has also been great taking advantage of my mother's military perks which include being able to use/ take books out from the library on base, take fitness classes (such as zumba), and look around in the interesting all-american product BX/ PX's. I have also been biking and walking quite a lot around the Ansbach area and other parts of southern Germany. There are absolutely AMAZING bike paths just about everywhere...and at this point I don't see the use for a car. (this notion might change when it snows...)
5. I have been contacting friends/ family, however, my mind has also been busy and dreamy - so if I am neglecting anyone, please let me know. I would be happy to keep up writing/ postcards with anyone that is interested. You can e-mail me for my address... melody.rolph@gmail.com
6. Reflecting. I have been thinking about all of the experiences I have had in college.... and life...and how it feels to move one. (As we sell my childhood home and say a bittersweet goodbye to New Hampshire) My internships, my study abroad experiences, my jobs, my classes, certain teachers...I am so happy to have learned in some of the best ways, and now I am trying to figure out how all of these (positive and negative) experiences can aid my future. I am trying to figure out how music and art fits into my life, and how I can balance everything that I love, which is something that everyone seems to face. I think it will be difficult, but I am determined.
7. Traveling! In the past few months, I have traveled much of Bayern, to Austria, Romania, down through Switzerland and Liechtenstein to Italy. It is nice having some valuable time to really see the beautiful countrysides, and do as the locals do. (Says the New Hampshire country-girl...;) ) I have also been able to see some of my great friends from other countries (and from my home town) I will elaborate on some of these experiences in future blog posts. :)
Anyway, after much reflecting and listening to myself, I really am starting to feel positive about my future and the new path I am taking. Although it is certainly hard to be so far away from close friends and family, I am slowly finding ways to balance my life. I am lucky to take advantage of each beautiful day here to do something new and make progress in my aspirations. I look forward to being able to share more experiences/ pictures soon! Bis dann....
1. I have decided to get my masters in Germany, and thus I have been working on applying to colleges for either the upcoming summer semester or next years winter semester. I am looking at programs in areas such as global studies, international relations, and intercultural relations among others. Germany luckily has many tuition-free schools and I am lucky enough to currently be supported by my parents while I apply and search for jobs to fund my living expenses.
2. After much convincing towards the Ansbach District Office, I was able to obtain a 9 month residential permit. This allows me to stay in Germany until next summer, allowing me time to apply to grad schools and find a job.
3. Although I am looking at English speaking grad school programs, I am still determined to learn German fluently...which will take some time. I have been working on various programs, watching films, listening to German music, reading short books, and spiking up conversation every once in a while with locals.
4. For inspiration, I have been reading a lot of books which is something that I didn't have much time to do in college and it has been AWESOME. One book that exceptionally moved me was "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed, which I highly recommend. (Some quotes I loved from the book may even show up in future blog posts...) It has also been great taking advantage of my mother's military perks which include being able to use/ take books out from the library on base, take fitness classes (such as zumba), and look around in the interesting all-american product BX/ PX's. I have also been biking and walking quite a lot around the Ansbach area and other parts of southern Germany. There are absolutely AMAZING bike paths just about everywhere...and at this point I don't see the use for a car. (this notion might change when it snows...)
5. I have been contacting friends/ family, however, my mind has also been busy and dreamy - so if I am neglecting anyone, please let me know. I would be happy to keep up writing/ postcards with anyone that is interested. You can e-mail me for my address... melody.rolph@gmail.com
6. Reflecting. I have been thinking about all of the experiences I have had in college.... and life...and how it feels to move one. (As we sell my childhood home and say a bittersweet goodbye to New Hampshire) My internships, my study abroad experiences, my jobs, my classes, certain teachers...I am so happy to have learned in some of the best ways, and now I am trying to figure out how all of these (positive and negative) experiences can aid my future. I am trying to figure out how music and art fits into my life, and how I can balance everything that I love, which is something that everyone seems to face. I think it will be difficult, but I am determined.
7. Traveling! In the past few months, I have traveled much of Bayern, to Austria, Romania, down through Switzerland and Liechtenstein to Italy. It is nice having some valuable time to really see the beautiful countrysides, and do as the locals do. (Says the New Hampshire country-girl...;) ) I have also been able to see some of my great friends from other countries (and from my home town) I will elaborate on some of these experiences in future blog posts. :)
Anyway, after much reflecting and listening to myself, I really am starting to feel positive about my future and the new path I am taking. Although it is certainly hard to be so far away from close friends and family, I am slowly finding ways to balance my life. I am lucky to take advantage of each beautiful day here to do something new and make progress in my aspirations. I look forward to being able to share more experiences/ pictures soon! Bis dann....
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