Midterms. Probably the hardest part about being a student here in Gaming is the actual student part. Especially as we approach midterms, I should be ready to buckle down and do some real studying. But I have all of Europe before me. I don’t want to study. Let’s be honest, I never want to study. But here, it is especially hard to give my full attention to my studies. This semester is an adventure and there is nothing adventurous about sitting, cooped up in my room, for hours with my head in the books. Gross.
But do you know something? I am in AUSTRIA! No matter where I am or what I am doing, I am living a part of my life that I will never have again—even when I am doing something as menial as studying. I’m nearly positive that I will never have the opportunity to study in my room which is one of many in a 13th century monastery formerly belonging to the Hapsburg’s. Really, what an experience!
Here in the Kartause, we do a lot of things that we would normally do on main campus. But it’s different here. Every time I complain about the food from the Mensa (just like I complained about the food from the café) I can’t help but remember that I am eating in a 13th century monastery! Or when I play flag foot ball, I look around and see the steam rising from the mountaintops. The foothills of the Alps are my back yard.
Or another realization is the very fact that I am here with so many friends. Other students, from other universities, might have an opportunity to study abroad—and they are so blessed as well—but the experience here at the Kartause is different. How many students get to experience Europe with their dearest friends and classmates? How many students get to study in Austria but speak English the entire time? (I think English is something I really take for granted.)
When most students study abroad, they attend a sister university which is situated in another country. The opportunity is unique and very special, but there are few study abroad programs as excellent as this one. We have two ten-day breaks: 20 straight days of touring Europe! Oh it’s just so great!
Anyway, the point is this: I am in Austria. It’s okay if I have to stay inside and study all day because I’ll never have the opportunity to stay inside studying in Europe. I guess what I’m saying is that I’m trying to appreciate every part of my experience here. Every part about this place is unique and a memory worth keeping, even if it’s just the memory or midterms.
A post by Patricia Huelseman, Fall 2010
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