A Little Taste of Home

Just as I started to get a little bit homesick, my mom texted me that she was going to be in Sydney to visit me within 24 hours. Many feelings flooded my mind, but the one thought that stayed constant was my love for the city of Sydney, and how much I wanted to share that with her. Everything did not go according to plan, however, as I should have expected. As soon as my mom arrived, I was so anxious to get her up and moving, but she just wanted to nap. I also kept bugging her about dinner plans, and she would tell me to let her figure it out on her own. She wanted to be in control even though I had been living in Sydney for a little over two months. Although I would get frustrated with my mom over the smallest little things that did not even matter, it made me realize how lucky I was to have my mom there to fight with me. After lots of nagging and pushing each other's buttons, my mom let out a huge sigh of frustration when she realized something (something that she was hiding from me)- I later found out that the reason my mom was so on edge was that she planned a flight to the Great Barrier Reef with me for the day after her arrival in Sydney. Not only that, but she was planning on surprising me with Bruno Mars tickets the night before leaving for the GBR. When she sighed like I previously mentioned, she had just realized that the Bruno Mars tickets that she had originally purchased were for the wrong night (the night we were going to be in Hamilton Island for GBR). Because she was keeping this all a secret, she was grouchy since nothing seemed to be going her way and she felt like she could not tell me. She ultimately had to ask me for help, revealing the secret of Bruno Mars. We were somehow able to last minute sell the tickets for the wrong night, and repurchase new ones, and I am so thankful for that. Bruno Mars in my favorite city? YES PLEASE. After little bickering back and forth with my mom, I was able to realize that her grumpiness was all out of love and she was just trying to do something special for me- and it was. Bruno gave the performance of a lifetime. After his concert, we went to bed, and woke up in the morning for our flight to Hamilton Island. Once we got there, it was raining uncontrollably. The forecast quickly went from being sunny all weekend to a weekend-long thunderstorm, which was not exactly ideal. Our "sunset cruise" was actually more like something I would watch on a "Storm Chasers" episode on TV. Our snorkel excursion in the Great Barrier Reef turned into a "snorkel in the Inner Reef because it is too dangerous to drive all the way out to the GBR" excursion. Still, it was a spectacular journey. I saw the most amazing fish and reef life, so I am grateful we decided to battle our motion sickness in the storm. Even in the pouring rain, Hamilton Island was one of the most beautiful places I have ever laid my eyes on. I can only imagine how perfect it must have been in the sunshine. Although nothing seemed to go according to plan, my mom and I were eventually able to laugh about all of her trip's hiccups and enjoy our time together, which gave me the small taste of home that I needed. When we came back to Sydney, the skies were bluer than ever and the sun was beating down.  Once she was able to relax, she had an absolutely fantastic time, and I will forever hold the memories I made with her close to my heart.

Cheers,
Liza

Aussie Addie

Australia, you were a dream.

As I sit on my bedroom floor at 5:00 am (yes, I’m still on Aussie time and am severely jetlagged), I feel as if I left a piece of me behind in Sydney.

During my three and a half months abroad, I became an Australian version of myself. This version of myself is more outgoing, adventurous, and thankful. As I sit here trying to put my experience into words, I’m finding that there are none that can totally capture just how much I have grown, so I figured I’d start with a few words of thanks.

To my Whitsunday crew, thanks for being my rock during this process. From the late nights to the never ending laughter, you all became my family. Let’s have our reunion at Funnel Bay in a few years. I hear it’s something like we’ve never seen before.

To my internship, thank you for challenging me every day. I interned at AltMedia and wrote for an independent newspaper. I figured I’d be helping the staff with mundane tasks, but I worked as a real journalist, interviewing local politicians, residents, and activists. I’m not going to lie; there were days when I felt like it was too much. My boss and editor expected a lot of me, but this was just because they saw my potential and wanted me to get the most out of this experience. I feel prepared to take on a career in journalism because of this internship.

To my CCI Global Scholars, thanks for being my support system. It’s hard to believe we started out as strangers, because now I consider each one of you a good friend. I cannot wait to catch up on campus and for our reunions.

To Dr. Swan and Dr. Miller, thank you for making this opportunity possible. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has shaped my early adulthood. Because of this trip, I feel as if I am ready to take on anything that comes my way.

Australia will always have a piece of my heart. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to live and learn on the other side of the world. Until next time, Syd. You will forever be on my mind.

Signing off,

Aussie Addie

Life Lessons

11 planes, 8 cities, and countless memories later my time in Sydney has come to a close. I want to thank my fellow CCI Global Scholars for making this experience my greatest adventure so far. We all have become so close, and I have no idea what I'm going to do without you guys. Thank you to Dr. Swan and Dr. Miller for making this program happen. It is so amazing, and I can't wait for the 2019 group to go. I truly couldn't have picked a better way to spend my last semester of college!

Here's some things I learned about myself and life along the way...

Before Australia, I had only traveled out of the States once. My first month being here a Chilean girl said to me, "what is it like to be outside of your American bubble?" At first, I was annoyed she had the audacity to say that to me, but I quickly realized how easy it is to get caught up in the "American bubble" she was talking about. I love where I'm from, but it does seem like I get judged very quickly when I tell someone I'm American. I strive to make sure people don't see me as just an American, but as a woman who is from America and believes it's important for everyone to be respectful of other cultures.

Before Australia, I was a girl who found her worth in always having a relationship. I have never written or said that out loud until now, but I've heard that the truth will set you free. I found my truth with relationships in Australia, and I find my worth only in Jesus.

Before Australia, I was not exactly an outdoorsy person. You have not hiked until you have done it in the Australian heat. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef was not the easiest thing. Try swimming against a strong ocean current for three hours straight, but it was by far one of the greatest highlights of my life. I have realized how beautiful our world is and how important it is to explore it!

Before Australia, I appreciated my car, but now I have an extremely deeper appreciation for it. I realized I should wake up everyday and tell my parents thank you for my car. And then say thank you about ten times throughout the day. And probably one more time before bed and it still wouldn't be enough thank you's. Try carrying all of your groceries for miles and you will understand. It's not fun at all.

Before Australia, I was the pickiest eater. I would say no to this and no to that about everything. It's quite funny how many times I have eaten something in Australia then asked what I just put into my mouth.

Before Australia, I would have never imagined packing up my whole life into two suitcases. I will be the first to say I have a lot of material things, and have a long way to go when diminishing this number. However, it is such a great feeling to consolidate into just some suitcases.

My biggest lesson was - eat, pray, love. I watched the movie on the flight home, and I really don't think there is a better way to describe my last 3.5 months. I ate more than I can put into words. I prayed almost every single day. I loved more than I ever thought I could.

So friends, I leave you with a challenge...to visit Australia and watch "Eat, Pray, Love" on your way there. xx

Cheyenne

It's been real, it's been fun, but I want to go home

My Australian adventure is finally coming to an end; in just three short days, I'll be jumping on an 18-hour flight back home to Knoxville! To end my trip, I recently got out of my comfort zone and travelled to Cairns, Queensland to see the Great Barrier Reef before I left. It was the perfect way to end this semester and sum up my entire experience (also I was living my Finding Nemo and Little Mermaid dreams). 

Although I have had my ups and downs in Sydney, this experience really has helped me define what I want for myself and my future. Sure, I may complain daily about the lack of biscuits and sweet tea, but experiencing a country outside the States has altered my perspective on myself and my place in the world. I can’t wait to be back in the comforts of the South, but there’s no doubt I’ll miss being a Sydneysider. From endless beach days to playing with rescued wallabies (and yes, our Newtown bar crawls), there will always be a space for Oz in my heart. But, there’s something else I’ll miss: Aussie Allie.

Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of my daily busy routine was just the pause I needed, not just to prevent burnout but also to remind myself what all the exhaustion is for. In Australia, I've actually missed being tired from work or stressed about school. Meanwhile though, I have been having the time of my life, creating new memories everyday, and learning new lessons all the time. Thinking back on the past three months, I'm just so thankful for having this opportunity and can't wait to see what I'll do next with everything I've gained from this amazing semester.

Three days can't come soon enough, but I’ll never forget my brief yet never-ending affair with Australia. Luckily, I’ll get to take more than just souvenirs back to Tennessee since I’ve gotten to meet 18 fellow communication majors that mostly sympathize with my homesickness. I’ll see you soon Rocky Top; please have a Route 44 sweet tea and Taco Bell ready for me!

See you soon,

Allie

All my bags are packed, but am I ready to go?

I officially have less than a week left in the beautiful Australia and am feeling all types of ways. This has been one of the most beneficial and exciting experiences of my life. I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to live, study and work nine thousand miles from my small town of Franklin, Tennessee in the big Sydney city. I have done quite a bit of reflecting this week as I prepare to return to the states and I have come to realise how much I love Australia. I have gotten to eat the prettiest food, gone to numerous gorgeous beaches, hiked beautiful mountains, pet kangaroos, seen bats, swam in the Bondi icebergs, and fought off a huntsman spider (JK I ran). It has been quite an experience from start to finish. I have even gotten to experience some Australian holidays as well as American ones which has been extremely eye opening and entertaining. Australians know how to party. I have met a plethora of new people, completely different from everyone I know at home. It has been these encounters and experiences that I, myself have grown.



Our group jokes about having an Australian persona that is different from who/how we are in the states, but honestly it is true. I have been more adventurous, outgoing, and taken liberties in self improvement and creativity during my time here. I have journaled, tried new foods (and FRUIT!), met new people, snorkelled one of the wonders of the world. There really is an Aussie Carlson and and American Carson and I intend to merge these two characters. **For all you folks back home, the coffee shop I always go to here thinks my name is Carlson and I've never corrected them and it has become a nickname**. There has been a lot of self exploration and I definitely think I have come out of this experience a better person, more aware of the world and my place in it. I feel like I have more aspirations and momentum to pursue my goals than I did four months ago.

As we near the end of our time down under, things have gotten sentimental. I am truely blessed to have spent these past three months with such an amazing group of people. To my Whitsundays crew, my lovely 608 ladies and the best roommate I could have asked for, I do not know what I would have done without yall. Cheers to many more memories back in Knoxville before we end our time in college.



I think the universe knows I am about to come home because every time I shuffle my music, John Denver plays. There are so many reasons to be ready to go back to Tennessee, hug my family, see my Big off to graduate, celebrate my 21 with my best friends, cuddle my kittens and most importantly end this thirst for sweet tea. As excited as I am to return home, I am deeply saddened to leave Australia. There is so much unfinished business and while I have accomplished so much, there is so much more I want to do. Though I have no idea when I will return, I know this isn't the end for us, 'Straya.


Til we meet again Australia, cheers! It's been a blast.

The Final Home Stretch

I can’t believe this program has flown by so quickly. In the span of three and a half months I have done so much, seen so much, learned a ton and have grown a lot. I still have two weeks left in Australia (can’t wait to visit my family in Melbourne and Adelaide!), but honestly part of me isn’t ready to go home. As much as I miss my family, friends, Southern food and home in general, there’s a part of me that doesn’t want this whole experience to end. I have truly fallen in love with this place.

Over the course of the semester, all of us here have grown closer together. We have become a family and even though I know we’ll still hang out on campus, it makes me sad thinking that our time here is ending because of all the memories and times we’ve had together. We joke that we were so young when we stepped off the plane in January, but in part, that’s really true. We were young and inexperienced when it came to Australia and the program. We barely knew each other, and we were facing a whole semester of living together.

Now, a part of me isn’t ready to say goodbye and see everyone off as they get on a plane home. It’s going to be so weird not coming home after work and hanging out with everyone in our apartment watching Friends on T.V. and talking about our day. It’s going to feel so weird today when I leave Altmedia for the last time, walk out into the cool evening air and know that I won’t be waking up on Monday to get to the office to work.

I am so grateful for all the lessons I have learned through my internship. I’m not going to lie, it was a tough journey for me. It wasn’t at all what I expected and, in many ways, opened my eyes to the journalism world and to the work world in general. You know when you have moments when you question all your life choices and wonder if what you’ve decided to do with your life is truly what you want to do? Well, if anything, this internship has shown me that I made the right choice. Yeah, it’s going to get tough at times, but there are also moments when it’s going to be so much fun. The feedback I received from my supervisor and the critiques I have been given have pushed me to do better and reflecting back, I have grown as a journalist. So, thank you. Thank you for teaching me lessons that truly helped me grow.

Now, being here four months has allowed me to do so, so much. I’ve mentioned so much in my other blogs about what I’ve done, but I’m sure you haven’t read through all of them. So, I want to end this final blog with a recap of some of the highlights of my trip here, my top favorite moments that I will forever be telling people, and to those who are going to hear these stories over and over and over again, I’m going to go ahead and apologize now. But hey, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I’m never going to forget. So, my highlights for this program:

The Great Barrier Reef

So, this one has got to be my top one! I have had snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef on my bucket list since I was 12 and it finally came true! Last weekend, a group of us flew up to Cairns and got to snorkel the reef and it was magical. It truly was everything I imagined and more and I am so happy I got to go on this adventure with such an amazing group.

Spring Break: New Zealand Adventure

Okay, so I know this isn’t in Australia, but it was a part of my time studying abroad and it was a crazy time. Nothing went according to plan, but because of that, I have so many fond memories and stories and I overcame my fears, which allowed me to experience a lot of firsts like paragliding and canyoning.

Surf Camp

Hey, when in Australia… This was by far one of my favorite moments on this camp, especially when I finally stood up on a surfboard and caught a wave. Oh, and getting to pet kangaroos and sting rays was also amazing!

An Opera at the Sydney Opera House

Thank you again Dr. Miller, Dr. Swan and the CCI college for getting us tickets to see Carmen at the Sydney Opera House. I absolutely loved the opera and getting to experience it at the Opera House was mind-blowing.

Soda Factory: Furnace and the Fundamentals

I have so many great memories from Soda Factory, from my first time there with everyone to going back again to listen to Furnace and the Fundamentals perform (twice!). Each time, I loved the speak-easy style and atmosphere and dancing and singing with my friends. (Sorry, I don't have a photo for this one)

The Blue Mountains

A little piece of home, away from home. Seeing the Blue Mountains was exciting because I looked out onto the landscape and felt like I was home. It was a great reminder to find the little things that remind me of home and incorporate them into my time here.

CCI Global Scholars

This entire program has been a highlight for me. I have gotten to do amazing things and learn in a real life work setting which is an incredible experience that not many get to do. I have made friends, I have written articles that have been published, I have traveled a different part of the world, and I have grown. If you are thinking about doing this program, I highly recommend because it is worth it, and you will not regret it.  

So, I guess this is it. The last home stretch of my time here in Australia. After this week, I’ll be traveling to Melbourne and Adelaide and then heading back home in just two short weeks (though I know it seems longer for my Mom; I promise I’m almost home!). I am so thankful for everything that I have gotten to see, do and live through here and for the CCI Global Scholars program and Dr. Swan and Dr. Miller for selecting me to go on this program. It has meant the world to me and has helped me grow and learn so much. I can’t wait to take all that I have learned and apply it back home and to my future.

Until next time.

Cheers,

Gabi

Dear Future Self,

Dear Future Self,

Please never forget this experience.
Capture and engrave it in your mind like constant film reel playing on repeat.
This experience is not like any other it is unique, full of wonder, and huge possibility.
You were given this opportunity by grace and for that, you will be forever indebted to all the people who made your time in Sydney possible. You are firm believer that everything happens for a reason and now realized why exactly you were placed in Australia. You had so much I had to learn not only about yourself but others. Everything in your life is good, some days it may not feel that way in fact in may feel like the exact opposite- but indeed it is still good. There was a moment in Australia where you found a piece of you that you lost. You clung onto the mantra "good gets better." To be honest its 3 words but it resonated with you in ways I have never seen before. The idea that life is good but it gets better, People are good and there is always room to be better, Work is a job and it is good but it gets better. Every obstacle in life is good , every-single-one. When it feels awful and miserable Future  Self I can promise you it will get better. My mother always had a phrase she would say when the whole world feels like its coming down in pieces "This too will pass." Almost as though this leaky roof life your living will get better because its just a storm passing through. Its completely temporary, you have all the power to change you mindset, challenge people to be better and all in all be better.
Well, because, good gets better.

Cheers, 









Sammy Baker April 2019