Only One Week In

It has only been 7 days since I first arrived in Vienna and I already feel like a local. I came to this country with 4 German phrases and no idea of the cultural shock to come. In one week I have learned the streets of Vienna, learned basic conversation, picked up on the accent, and even traveled to the Alps. It is so amazing here. I love having a dream about being in America and then waking up and realizing I'm in Europe, I get so happy.
The city of Vienna is incredible. If any building was moved from here to Boston, it would be the centerpiece of the city, but it's just another building over here. I think I've seen it all, but then I turn the corner and another masterpiece is standing before me.
Daily life here is really fun because it turns basic errands into adventures. When you don't speak the language, it becomes a lot more difficult and you feel so much better about yourself when you successfully communicate with somebody.
My fellow students are all great. We all get along very well and there hasn't been any problems thus far. We are a good group of students who have a good level of trust within eachother.
The people here are a lot different than in America, because they are very firm, and sometimes rude. People like to walk around with they mouth closed and their arms only to propel their walk, never to wave. After being here 1 week, I realize they are like a cactus, they show they don't want to be disturbed on the outside, but they are soft on the inside. Most people here speak at least a little English, so when I don't know how to say something in German, they can understand my English. I try to speak as much German as possible, but some people tell me not to because many people know English, and German is only spoken in 2 countries. I feel other people are different because when they hear the American accent or hear my English, they get rude.
To a completely different topic, I have managed to travel outside Vienna this weekend and went southwestern to the Austrian Alps to go snowboarding. The Alps are so beautiful. It is just one gigantic beautiful mountain after another and it goes as far as the eye can see.
I love it here in Vienna and it seems like I have too many memories for only 1 week, but that's something I can't complain about. I hope I can get the most out of this trip. But as of the first week, it was amazing =D

10 Words That Describe Me

Optimistic- No matter what problem or obstacle I face, I always stay positive. Sometimes when you feel there is no way out, this trait makes you find a way.
Funny- I am very goofy and I love to make people laugh. This is who I really am, but sometimes I can seem professional and shy because there are times being silly isn't good.
Generous- I tend to put other people before myself. What's the point of life if you aren't happy? I make myself happy knowing that I made someone else happy.
Creative- I write deep guitar songs (lyrics and instrumentals), make movies, and draw. A lot of my recreation time is spent being creative in some way.
Ambitious- I have a dream of making movies in Hollywood and I won't give up. My dream is very important to me because I've wanted to do this since 6th grade.
Intellectual- You do what you have to do to do what you want to do. I feel being intellectual is a big part of who I am because I can think for myself. I've visited the Dean's list 3 of 4 semesters and I also tutor upperclassmen in Physics since I was a Sophomore.
Talented- For some reason when I pick up something new, I learn very fast. Once I learn something, I keep getting better and better and I love improving. I play guitar, wakeboard, slalom ski, barefoot, draw, and aggressive inline skate very well.
Confident- I know I can do a lot of impressive things, but I'm not cocky about it. This is a great trait to have a little of because I can step up to the plate when I want to, but I don't act arrogant.
Reliable- People can trust me with information, tasks to complete, and much more and have faith that I will do what they ask. This is just who I am because I feel no need to betray somebody for entertainment.
Mature- Unfortunately I grew up way too fast with the childhood I had, but I grew up to be a very mature individual who can act professionally when applicable. I realize this trip will put me on a new continent and I have to be smart about decision making, and I feel I will make the right decisions.

Interpersonal Relationships

"My sister and I a few years ago at our summer house"





There are only a few people who really know me deep down. For this reason I decided to interview my sister and my girlfriend. My girl Brittany is very honest with me and my sister Alyssa wont hesitate to give me criticism, which I guess can be constructive =P.

My strengths:
My sister was with me growing up, and I had to pave the way in the hard home life we had. She told me that I am emotionally strong and able to handle a lot of stress and pressure. She said that many people rely on me and I must have a high tolerance of stress. When I asked my girlfriend what my strengths were she told me the same thing. She knows my college life and that I am making the most of it. She added generosity and kindness to my strengths when she said I would do anything for a friend. I always put other people before myself. This is a great strength, but is also a big weakness.

My weaknesses:
The fact that I put other people before myself really hurts me in the end, because I never have time or effort to do things for me. My sister agreed to this comment because when it comes down between doing something for myself or my family, my family comes before myself. My girl added by saying I have a hard time opening up to people. I have been scared because I have trusted people and had them turn around and hurt me very bad. Because of this, I tend to keep my emotions inside.

Analyze:
No matter how much you know yourself, it always helps to hear things about yourself from others. Back in my hometown I just lived my life and I knew I did things for other people, but I didn't really realize that I do things for other people, even when it's an inconvenience for myself. I know I don't open up, but it's hard for me. Even back in middle and high school I never opened up to friends because of the home life I had. I never thought of it as a big deal but my friends and family are always trying to get me to show my real feelings.

The next few weeks:
I really want to start doing more things for myself. By going to Europe, this is really an experience for nobody but myself. I really want to meet some good friends that I can be open with. It may take me a little while to fully open up, but I really need to break my habit.