Final Reflections

With only one more week left in Madrid, I must reiterate my acknowledgment of the failure of this blog. However, as I reflect on the past four months abroad, immediately precipitated by the announcement of Usama Bin Laden's death, I feel that one more post is necessary.

I've spent four months in an identity crisis. Separated from my friends, my family, my hectic lifestyle, my food, I found myself floating in limbo. As I see it, there are two philosophies to the 'study abroad experience.' 1. Completely immerse yourself in the surroundings, adopt all customs and assimilate into the culture of your new, temporary home. 2. View the culture as an outsider, through the lens of your context, and acknowledge that your new home is just that: temporary. I spent most of my time here attempting to do the former, and only succeeding in the latter. But last night I finally realized there's nothing wrong with that.

I am an American. I was born in the United States of America and my allegiances will always be to the United States of America. I've lived there for 20 years and plan on living there for the rest of my life. I have a United States passport issued by the United States Department of State. I have a Pennsylvania State driver's license. Hell, I have a GWorld.

But, just because I willingly subscribe to the communities that I come from does not mean that I have squandered my time in Madrid. I've been able to embrace the siesta, eat squid in its ink, and learn more about the welfare state employed in Spain. I've made great friends in the GW Madrid Program and with native Spaniards. I've become a part of my host family and Pon doesn't bark when I come through the door anymore. Talk to me in Castellano and I'll understand and respond. I undoubtedly made the right decision in studying abroad in Madrid and am thankful for the opportunities I've had.

The experience; however, has reaffirmed my love for my country and I cannot wait to return in one week to the land of freedom, hamburgers, and strength. There's a reason that the United States is the world leader, and we should not be ashamed of our status. I'm proud to be an American and proud to return. Judge me if you want. Tell me I haven't 'opened my eyes' to other customs. Tell me I'm too capitalistic. Tell me I'm too Republican. Oh well.

Adiós Madrid. Hasta Luego.