Day 3: Making Landfall

     After months of waiting and no short amount of paperwork, I have finally arrived at the University of Louisiana (and Agriculture - everyone forgets that part). For those of you who don't know me, my name is Thomas Anderson. I am originally from the state of Georgia and study at the University of South Carolina. Now you may be asking yourself, "I thought he just said he arrived at LSU?" You would be right! I decided to participate in a program called National Student Exchange. NSE, for short, is essentially a study abroad program for those who wish to remain within the states. You, like so many others, might ask, "TJ, why did you choose to go to Louisiana when you could have gone to France, Spain, or anywhere really?"

     Louisiana (and more specifically New Orleans) has always been a part of the United States that has always fascinated. I grew up with tales of this unique culture surrounding a very diverse people. I wanted to become more immersed in a culture that I did not know about. Plus, it didn't hurt that I already had a few friends here to get me settled. Regardless, I had no idea of what I should expect.
     It would be hard to begin this story without admitting to the hardships that predated it. The process of applying for NSE and choosing a school to exchange to involved a lot (and I mean A LOT) of paperwork. Furthermore, I had a trouble communicating with the coordinator from LSU, which had me a little worried. After all was said and done, I ended up not getting my first picks for classes or housing. Now, I understand if it sounds like this story can't have a happy ending. However, closer to move-in day, all the pieces seemed to finally fall in place.

     I finally met my roommates in person and it is an interesting bunch. I have a roommate from Texas, Puerto Rico, and France. Especially with my international roommates, it has definitely been eye opening to hear about how different America is from their respective countries. Did you know that the minimum wage is Puerto Rico is significantly lower than the U.S.? That is why so many choose to leave the country and come to the United States. Interesting facts aside, I was fortunate enough to be invited to lunch by my French roommate with the other international exchange students. At that lunch, I met people from Ecuador, Spain, Sweden, Britain, and Germany. It was truly a blessing to be able to hear their stories and how they lived back in their home countries.

     Even though I chose to stay in America, it seems as though the world has come to me. It goes to show how often the phrase, "it's a small world after all," is often proven true. You never know what you might find around the corner. As for me, I can't wait to see what this semester has in store.