REflections in Danerland
Coming into this scenario, and even upon arriving in Denmark, it seemed like a fairytale type situation. Believe it or NOT, was not the case. My expectations were all fulfilled, but quickly the notion that I wasn’t going to see my friends and family for (five+) months became reality. I viewed it as a never-ending stretch, and a long enough period of time where something really terrible could happen while I’m away. I love Fargo (not ashamed), friends and family, I had just started playing in a band (Uncle Dad), I loved my jobs, and Fargo was JUSt about to get a CHIpotle!!!!; point being, it wasn’t easy to leave the life I knew behind with the risk that it could somehow be disrupted.Â
It didn’t help that, in nature, Danes tend to be unapproachable, reserved, and unwelcoming, which I learned very quickly. Coincidentally I am exactly the same way! A sure recipe for becoming a social recluse and spiraling into deep, deep state of lonely. Ha haÂ
I did everything I could to take advantage of my situation because inevitably the first half was going to be hard. I surrounded myself with people, drank a LOT (my university sponsored parties every night of the week), did some traveling around Europe, and made some friends who I’m thankful to have for life now. But before all of this, every time I was rejected in the slightest, I felt overwhelmingly homesick and just wanted to go back to Fargo (completely irrational). I’ve never had to meet so many new people in such a short amount of time, not every interaction was going to go smoothly.Â
I received some back lash from complete strangers for being American, which is justifiable to some extent, but sometimes I wasn’t given a chance to stand up for myself. I’m glad, though, because now I know that there is cultural ignorance wherever you go, and it makes me feel better about my decision to place myself in uncomfortable situations where I can grow and learn. As EXTREMELY cliche as that sounds.Â
The reality is that nothing has changed at home, and I wasn’t changing at home. I’m slowly realizing that now, as I become more comfortable living in Denmark. Many people have a much easier time studying abroad, don’t think twice about wanting to go home, and enjoy almost every moment. I think that’s great, but everyone has a different personality and different reasons for going abroad. For twenty years I’ve lived in Fargo, and have always had a shoulder to cry on within a mile’s distance, literally. Living in the same place for so long, you become completely dependent and comfortable with your surroundings, so much that you eventually stop appreciating it.Â
Abandoning the sense of total comfort I had in Fargo was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I’ve been given the opportunity to live in and absorb a culture that I previously knew nothing about. Denmark is bizarre, they drink chocolate milk like water and small talk is just not really a thing here. THere’s a million things I could say, but I’ll hold off.Â
I’ve made friends from all over the world, social skills are improving, I met one of my favorite musicians of all time, Laura Jane Grace, discovered a new passion: videography, and I met the love of my life !!!!!!(jk).Â
In the states I lived so excessively and didn’t realize it. I’m glad to be temporarily detached from owning a vehicle, eating out on a daily basis, and all of the small luxuries that I never thought twice about (like a real shower). Â
I’m still looking forward to coming back to Fargo, the best sleep of my life will be my first night back home. My appreciation for everyone and everything in the midwest has grown significantly, but I’m sure I will quickly miss Denmark and the freedom that comes along with studying abroad, hopefully I can come back someday.
I’m a little bit terrified of the culture shock that comes with returning to a state like North Dakota but I’m excited to get my feet on the ground back in Fargo, ND, land of Dodge Rams, bros, sports, racism, small talk, and more fast food restaurants than in all of Europe.Â
One last thing but very important thing. I might miss having a shower that doesn’t have mold in it, and playing my drum set, anddddd Lucy’s North China Cuisine, but 99% of the time I just miss being in the same room as my mom, dad, brother, or sister. I miss you so much. Thank you Alison Driscoll for always always always always puttin’ up with my BS stupid messages, I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUU  cryÂ
ok bye
