The beginning of this spring semester was filled with hopes and promises that I would take more time to get to know the city of Brussels a little better, and that I would be able to secure an internship through my school's program. After a successful interview and falling in love with a cool organization, I was bummed to find they could only take someone full time (umm hello, this is a student you're talking to?!). After that relatively rough start, however, I was able to secure an internship (along with a few other fellow students) with one of my professors. The institute he works for is relatively new, but the opportunities and experience sound promising. I am hoping to aid the peace and security component, most specifically doing research concerning the UN's effort at DDR and peacekeeping in Libya. Still haven't heard much from him, but hopefully things will get rolling along with that within a week or so.
Otherwise, I've been doing my best to explore my city a little more. As I've probably already mentioned, one of my biggest problems is getting out of my daily routine, and once classes get going it becomes even harder to do so. However, as it is always in the back of my mind, I have made more of an effort to get out and find new things, at least on a weekly basis. Brussels truly does have a wealth of things to offer, but many of them are things that take an effort to find and get to know. 3 euro cinemas, tucked away Beer museums, and bars where you dance on tables - all can be found with a little bit of exploration and initiative.
As a tribute to the time I've spent here already, I'll leave all of you with a few things I've learned this far - both about myself and about the experience in general.
- Routines are dangerous. If you're like me once you get into a groove with classes and all, it's really difficult to get out of that daily routine. Wake up, get on the tram, go to class, come home, make dinner.. etc. etc. The one thing I can say to remedy this is take the time to EXPLORE. I can't stress how important that one little word is, and though I preach it I'm still having trouble doing it myself.
- Worry less. If you're young living in a cool place, why stress? In my opinion, there's plenty of time for that once we don't have the freedom to do whatever we want (well, to an extent). This, along with #1, is probably the hardest one for me to tackle. I have a tendency to stress about my classes and school work as if my life depended on it. While you certainly shouldn't forget about school altogether, you need to leave room to learn some lessons outside the classroom too.
- Get outside your bubble. Yes yes, I know.. the fabled "comfort zone". As much as we hear this piece of advice more than we'd like to, it truly is one of the best rules to live by. I have a hard time being in a situation where I feel uncomfortable, but the truth is it's probably the place you'll learn the most. To go along with it, let's take the advice from #2 and worry a little less about what others think of us.. Cus those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
- Do What you want. Especially in a context where so many people are discussing their plans to do so many great things while abroad, don't let it get to you. This time is for you, so decide what you want out of it and follow that path. Just because you're here doesn't mean you need to travel every weekend and do tons of crazy things. Even if your plans for yourself change along the way, embrace it, and keep on living.
