Intro
I’ve just completed my first week at a high school in Finland, and let’s just say that it was interesting. Not only was this my first week in a school in a foreign country, it was also my first time in a new school. In The States, I had always attended the same school since kindergarten, so I basically knew everyone in my grade and the grade above and below me. This was a whole new experience for me.
School
Everything was different. The kids, the teachers, the food, the classes, and especially the language were something I never experienced before. I was nervous because although I knew most teens in Finland knew English, I also knew that they didn’t like to speak it and that they needed time to warm up to new people before deciding to be friends with them. I did make some friends though. All my teachers were so nice and understanding that I didn’t, and still don’t, understand Finnish yet. The school lunches were free, and all the lunches I had were good. I was given Math, two Englishes, and a Music class. I enjoyed the classes even though I couldn’t understand what was happening at first. I was put in the first math class they take in High School. It seemed to be pre-algebra which I took in seventh grade, but I did have the extra challenge of not understanding what the word problems asked of me. I would come home from school with headaches and would be exhausted from the school day, but as the week continued, the headaches happened less and less. I would still come home exhausted though.
Night of the Arts in Helsinki
A rotex planned a truly wonderful night for us exchange students on Thursday. We spent time in Helsinki and visited an art exhibition in central Helsinki. It was a beautiful blow up art piece that was colorful inside. You had to be quiet once you entered, and the atmosphere was incredible. There were all types of little pod-like spaces that you could sit in and just listen to the peace and tranquil music. I enjoyed it. We had a couple hours of free time before we went back to our homes in Finland. I spent my time just hanging out with some people who don’t live close to me. All in all, it was a fun night.
Homesickness
I never thought I would get homesick, especially this soon into my exchange. I think my mistake was looking at social media and seeing what I was missing out on back in The States. I even missed my job. My friends were still enjoying summer, and I was in school. Everyone even started getting their schedules for the up coming school year. That’s when it hit me; I’m actually going to be gone for the whole year. When I was at school yesterday, there were so many moments when I thought I was going to cry, but I am doing better today. One of my best friends back home gave me a pep-talk. I miss them, but I know I will see them again.
Conclusion
There were hard times and great times for me this week. I’m very excited to see what the future and Finland holds for me, and I’m going to try my best to make this one of my best years ever. Thank you for your time reading this, and I’m sorry that I posted late. I’m going to try and be on time from here on out.
Daphne In Finland 