As the title suggests, I really am feeling a little better each day, although I still feel like crap. As sick as this may sound, it made me a little happier to talk with other exchange students and hear they feel the same or worse than me. I felt a little better not because I get joy from their pain (like it is with most people) but because I can relate to it. It puts me at ease a little to know that I am not the only one having a rough time at the moment. I am put even more at ease when a past exchange student tells me that it will pass soon, and I can really start to enjoy my exchange.
I filled out my first report thingie yesterday, and I had an epiphany... that I spend WAY too much time on the computer. As part of the first report, we have to log internet and computer usage for one week. I found that I spend roughly 3 hours per weekday, 4-5 on weekend days, comes out to an average of 24-25 hours per week. That's over a day every week that I spend on the computer! "How is that possible? What could you possibly be doing?" you might say, well, I will tell you.
First of all, as required by Yvan Gougler, I am forced to check and respond to my emails every day...
EVERY TIME that I log onto my email there are always tons of things that I have to do (for Rotary, Military, Congress Nominations). As it stands right now, I have 15 (not an exaggeration) essays to write, three of which by the end of the week.
Every other day it seems I get forms in the mail that need saving, printing, filling out, scanning or faxing back. Right now, that's fine because I have a family that lives in this century, but my next host family has only one computer (dinosaur), dial up connection (didn't even know that still existed) and don't use cell phones because the radio waves, give you cancer. I will not be able to do my Academy stuff there, I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Secondly for school, I am required to do an hour an a half per day (except Friday) of my language program Tell me more, which comes out to a Whoppin' 6 hours per week!
Lastly, I spend maybe 30 minuets a week posting on my blog (not gonna change)
All in all, I think that my problem of depression and head aches may be partly caused by staring at a screen for 1/7th of my exchange.
You have crossed 1/4 of your exchange already. Not that this is any consolation but soon as the essays are done, and some are similar, college prep is finished. I am glad you are seeing the same with fellow exchange students, I have been told the same. Mr. Schellabarger wanted your email to get quotes from you for the yearbook. I thought important so I gave it to him.
ReplyDeleteI think Rotary Exchanges are always stressful, I have been told that they were the best year of a persons life. Maybe you can do email at the school library or internet cafe (even) if you have to pay or some other venue when you move to less technology capable families. Sometimes you can do it in the hotel lobby, check with Yvonne for ideas and your current host parents. Most of all have a great time and your year will pass in a blink of your eye.
Dad
Sometimes it's hard. I am in this exchange like you. We have a lot of stress, I know. Maybe, we need a little break, but it's only one year and we cannot lose this year. It's the beginning, I'm sure at the end, you won't leave. I hope :D I understand that the school is very hard in Switzerland, because in Canada, USA it's very very easy in front of my country. We have long days and a lot of homework to do. Do the best as you can, you don't need marks for your school. I have some friends. I think you too. I need to do a lot of presentations, reports, spend time with my family, my club. I'm so busy. But when I have time I do the think I need to do. And faster as can, but good too. I'm with you,and I understand you. I hope you will lose this "sick think".
ReplyDeleteAmandine