The Students' Lifestyle

When I was a little girl, I remember very specifically asking my mother why we lived in the United States. My parents had friends who lived overseas. These people enchanted me with gifts from afar and stories of things I couldn't imagine existed. But, I guess I didn't know much existed outside of my home city. I was obsessed with the prospect of adventures abroad. I would make elaborate plans for my future and all of the places I would travel, always receiving an endearing eyeroll and words of encouragement from my parents. Travel became a goal of mine. And I knew that if I was going to do it, it would have to be on my own. So, when I was 17, I found a way.

When I was 17, I made the declaration to my parents that the following summer, I would be going abroad. They sighed in a sort of "yeah, right" way, but told me that if I could find a way to do it, I should. And so, as a motivated person does, I did. I found a volunteer group that would take me to Hong Kong. At age 18, I went half way across the world with a group of strangers, and I fell in love.

My goal then shifted from simply travel to living abroad. I wanted to make a life for myself in a place I didn't belong. Walking the streets of Hong Kong, feeling completely engulfed in a new culture was a sensation I was willing to chase as far as it would take me. I ventured on to college and began life studying International Politics. I made mental lists of all the places I wanted to live. My goals became greater and more solidified, and my lust for adventure only grew.

Of course, I studied abroad. In my opinion, every person should. Due to various circumstances, I was led to Ulsan University's Ulsan International Program. In the summer of 2014, when I  got on that plane to South Korea, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. I didn't know anything about Korean culture or language. I hadn't heard of the city of Ulsan. But more than anything, I completely underestimated how that experience would change my life. 

I can confidently say that the time I spent in the Ulsan International Program is one of the best times of my life. I spent the summer traveling around Korea with a group of equally as curious people, having adventures so crazy and experiences so growing that my life was deeply impacted. 

That's the thing about travel, though. It can be expensive or scary or overwhelming. But the reward that comes from that risk is greater than anything a person can buy. Those memories and the impact made in your life, and the impact that you can make in the lives of others, is something that can never be taken away from you.

Dancing on the street with a random Chinese lady in Kowloon. Busking in a park in Macau on a Sunday morning. Staying out all night in Itaewon. I often think of the millions of memories I've made on the adventures I've had and my heart feels incredibly full. 

I am now 22, and my dream has come true. I am an English teacher in Ulsan, South Korea. The process to get here wasn't easy, but it was absolutely worth it. Everyday is an adventure for me. Even if all I do is go to work, go to the grocery store, and go home in a day, I have still had an amazing and growing cultural experience. It's not perfect. Being away from home is hard. But just as they did when I was a young girl, my family is supportive of my goals and proud that I have already achieved so much.

I often walk around my neighborhood, and bask is amazement at where I am. The risks have been immense, but the reward has been greater. Because the thing I am given everyday is something I will treasure the rest of my life. The adventure that I am on is great, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me next. 

Be Well Rested

I know some of you are already going to be tired from Thanksgiving parades and even early Thanksgiving lunch since you'll be missing out on dinner, but be sure you're well rested to start the day. Nothing is going to stop this day from being a never ending slaughter of deal seeking customers and you'll want to have enough energy to put up with it all.

Tara Simone 

There have been a lot of changes in my life in the past year and I'm honestly thankful for all of them. But these are the ones I'm most thankful for. 

New Kid on the Block

My little man has been my a source of pride, joy, and frustration in the past year. I knew I wanted to be a mom, but I never knew it would be this soon. 

Going Back to Cali

 I was almost two years old when my mom packed up everything and moved to San Bernardino, Ca. Now almost 20 years later I'm back in Cali with my own family. I'm happy to be here and am curious to see what opportunities will come my way.

New sites

I have my own website now! I'll be blogging about my mommy adventures, needy obsessions, and just anything else I want at The Borderline Blerd.

Our followers
Were so happy that you guys have stuck with us for so long and we're planning to make this blog better for you all. We would not be here if it were not for you.

Shannah

This year has been amazing for me. My emotions have been up and down throughout this year, but everything turned out good. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm going to be alright *Kendrick Lamar  voice*. Here are a few things I'm thankful for this year.

My health

Sometimes, I forget how wonderful it is to be healthy. I'm glad that I'm in the physical shape to accomplish all that I want. I'm also thankful for my family's health as well. I want my family to see me succeed.

Family

I'm happy to have both my parents in my life. I love spending time with them. I know I shouldn't say this, but they really are my best friends. I don't have many friends, but I'm thankful to have a good relationship with them.

Having a house, car, etc.

I know it's a no no to put material things down, but  I have to be thankful for it,because many people don't have a home or car. So, I'm thankful that I have a roof over my head, food to eat, a car to drive me to all the places I want to go. 

Lastly, I'm thankful for all the No's

This past year was tough for me because I've focus a lot on all the things I didn't have, but I'm learning to be thankful for all the No's I've receive. This time next year, I hope I can take rejection a whole lot better. 

(*originally published November 2014, this post has been updated with more tips and sass) 

While everyone is preparing for Black Friday sales and stuffing themselves with turkey, retail workers everywhere have to rip themselves  from family and friends and work behind the register today. Sadly, this year I am going to be one of them. Again. Of course not working on Thanksgiving or Black Friday isn't always bad, but there are a few things shoppers can do to make these next few days a little better. 

Most of us were required to take up a second language to complete our degree. It may not have been your favorite class to attend, but what you learned there is worth way more than just a degree requirement. Knowing a second language not only looks good on a resume, but can open the door to new experiences and opportunities that you'd never have without it. So instead of letting that new language go to waste, follow our tips to keep it in use. Besides, why would you waste all that time and money to just throw it away?

screen cap of Duolingo

Language Apps

Becoming a pro at your new tongue could all lie within the palm of your hand. There are amazing apps out there that help you learn and use a language you picked up. Apps like Duolingo and Babble  are great ways to start learning a new language. Just go to the app store, download them, and use the apps to brush up.

Immersion Programs

Being in an immersion program kind of forces you to throw away your fears and use your new language. There are many different ways you can go through an immersion experience such as going through immersion camp or enrolling in a program at a university. This may be the most "extreme" way to learn a language, but you'll definitely come out with more confidence and skills in the end.