I am so grateful for my new Fulbright friends and especially my Hungarian friend Kata who has been so kind to me. These new connections are so important to make when you’re in a new place. As scary as it can be to make new friends, I have never regretted stepping out and getting to know someone, even if I never see them again. So compliment someone’s outfit, start a conversation with the new kid at school, ask your teachers questions and make connections that fill out life. Sometimes the small action of human connection is worth it!
Secondly, don’t be afraid to try new things, whether that is a new food, a new sport or activity, or even, like me, a life in an entirely different country. While the familiar can be safe and comfortable, if we always stay in it, we never learn. It can be scary and uncomfortable, but you learn so much through trying new things. You learn about yourself: what you like and dislike, what you can and cannot tolerate amd even where you need to grow and adapt. You also learn about the world and that knowledge brings understanding. By being willing to try new things, you create space for new and enlightening experiences. You might discover a favorite snack or learn about a tradition you’ve never heard of. I know I sure have! I have learned I love plain langos with garlic butter, but not sour cream and cheese, about new holiday traditions, like playing dreidel and eating Latkes for Hanukkah, from friends and how to say many things in Hungarian. As scary as it can be to say yes to something new, I highly recommend that you have a little faith in yourself and trust that if it doesn’t go well, if you don’t like the new food or activity, it isn’t the end of the world.
