It's been a month since I have written anything here, so I guess it's time for a quick update. My life here consists of work, classes, sport, friends-family, and downtime. I feel like I have a really good balance at the moment.
Work: I finally am at the hands-on stage. I need to be doing something that keeps me on my toes and with which requires movement and other people. My project is finally in the trial-and-error stage. I am excited for it to be layed out and begin 'real' testing, although also a bit nervous to work with older patients and wonder if there will be any misunderstandings, as that could easily happen in my own native language...but it will make it all the more interesting. :)
Classes: My neurology leture has been really interesting lately. Some of the lectures have covered epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease...all of which I somehow have a direct connection to somebody who is or has been affected. German language courses are, as always, a highlight of my week. I am constantly absorbing more of the language everyday, but it is a different experience to sit down and learn in a more academic setting. (And actually have to pay attention to things like whether a word has a gender or not, and if so, what gender it is. haha.) Plus, it is so cool meeting other students from so many countries and finding out their stories.
It's getting cold. There are not so many hours of daylight anymore. At the end of the day all I want to do is go home and be lazy...but I am really trying to kick myself in the butt and at the least go for a jog each evening. (I know I still have it in me to run...I ran 4.5 miles on Saturday, running along the river. It's all a game with the mind.) I love the city here. There is some sort of excitement in the air, as Christmas is approaching. It looks like a fairytale when at the markets selling Glühwein (warm wein?...spiced). Advent calendars are on sale everywhere you go. I have to admit I am really excited to celebrate Christmas here this year. (The only thing that could make it better is if my family were here, but they are here in my heart...and I will be there in Cali in spirit.)
I am taking off for Marburg tomorrow to visit Inga. We will have a Thanksgiving celebration with some of her friends. (And attempt to cook my first thanksgiving dinner with what ingredients are available in Germany. hahah. We will see if it is a success.)
I feel really content here in Germany. It took awhile to adjust, but once I have...I feel lilke I am in a really good place. It scares the hell out of me how fast time is flying by, but as long as I am enjoying the time I have, that is what is important. Even though I always like to have an idea of a 'plan', I like even more to have all of my options open. In the past month, I have been kicking around the idea of extending my stay in Germany. I am considering applying for an international master's program here in Germany in Physical Activitiy and Health. Some of the major points are international rehabilitation, international public health, and I would get quite a bit of practical experience through interships. The idea of a degree that would be recognized worldwide is really appealing to me, because I do not want to limit myself to just one country. Another kicker is the cost. This masters program would cost about 2,500 dollars for the two years. (Plus I would be doing internships, which I imagine would be paid.) Going back to study physical therapy will put me between 100,000 and 150,000 dollars more in debt. AND limit me to working in the States. I am just opening all of the doors again, but I could realistically see myself staying here a couple more years before coming back to study or work in the States.
I cannot say that Germany or the US is better. But they are different. Sure I miss the beaches in California and Oregon. I miss the important people in my life. But I don't miss the fact that I never stop running around the the US and that we function on a 24 hour time clock. I like that I have so much of Europe here at my fingertips. I like that the average amount of vacation a person gets on the job is 30 days (plus 14 holidays), as opposed to our 2 weeks? The idea of going to grad school, being so far in debt, and not finding a job because of our currently struggling economy scares me. I could not even find a job at a fast food resturant this summer...that is sad. (I just got lucky with my connections to people.)
Another thing is health insurance...all have it here. I like this more social system. Of course it has its flaws, but I think nowhere near as many as the healthcare system in the States. And unfortunately, I honestly think the US economy is only going to get worse before it gets better. I am one of the millions of people who has hope that Obama will bring about some change...but change is not going to magically appear overnight on the 20th of January. Although I wish I could have been there for the excitement of the election, it was interesting to see it from the perspective here. Most Germans I know were following the US Election more closely than the upcoming German election! (And, we did have a little party at my place. :))
Ok, this is kind of some rambling, but these are the thoughts swirling around in my head. Hopefully if you take the time to read it you can make some sense out of it. :) Enjoy the weekend and stay warm!
