Wanting more, I decided to study abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand for a semester during my junior year in college. The decision felt larger than life. From the minute I got on the plane, I felt absolutely elated. It's really difficult to explain how amazing it felt. There's this thing study abroad program staff frequently talk about called "the honeymoon phase." My understanding is that it's the chunk of time when you are absolutely in love with everything about your new country. I honestly don't think I ever truly left that phase. Even when things got difficult. I was utterly grateful to simply be in Chiang Mai.
I made many lasting friendships with both Thais and my fellow international mates. In fact, I started dating one of the other Americans there. She's here in India with me as I type this! Chiang Mai had its share of challenges. I volunteered to teach English at a Buddhist temple in the city. Considering I'm the type of person who struggles with class presentations, I had a really hard time. I also got an internship with a local English-speaking magazine called Citylife Chiang Mai. This was my first real foray into professional journalism and I still consider it the most stressful time of my life. But I appreciate having gone through it. Writing for a magazine in another country is a remarkable way to learn about a city. It helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life. Upon return to the States, I felt I had a much better grasp on who I was and what I wanted to do. I had also developed a newfound appreciation for Las Vegas, my hometown. There really is no place like it.
My decision to study abroad in India was influenced in part by my lack of knowledge about the country.
