Epilogue

So this is where my story ends. When I have some time going spare, I may post pictures and videos of some of the fab work my US students produced over the course of last semester but other than that, I have completed my journey and have no more to write about.

Normality for me has been restored. After about five minutes, a very warm welcome and many hugs from both colleagues and students at Faifield, it felt like I'd never been away. I've picked up my social life where I left it and home is beginning to feel like home again.

It has been a challenging and emotional few months. I've been priviliged to work with some fantastic students and to be part of the Fulbright programme; I've gained an insight into another culture few are fortunate enough to have and hopefully I've been able to give my students, colleagues and friends an insight into mine; I've become stronger as a person; developed professionally and I've made some fantastic new friends. Conversely, I've encountered some of the worst personal and professional moments of my life (though, ironically, not where the students are concerned!) which will impact on me for some time to come; there have been times when I've felt so low I didn't think it was atually possible to feel that bad and that's been difficult to cope with.

Good or bad, it's all been experience and so can be learned from.

Most of all, this exchange has taught me to value what I have: it is the people in our lives that make our lives. It is so easy to take those people for granted or to become fixated on 'things' and that is something I'm clearer about than ever. This Christmas, spent with my boyfriend and parents, was the best I've ever had because I have a newfound appreciation for just how lucky I am to have them. Seeing how much they'd missed me also showed me just how much they value me too, though I've been fortunate enough to have grown up with my parents' unconditional love and support. I've always known I was lucky in this respect but now it's something I'm acutely aware of and extremely grateful for. Similarly, I am aware of just how lucky I am to have the friends I have; it makes me rich. 'They' say that it's when times are really bad you find out who your real friends are and that couldn't be more true. I know who mine are and I will never take them for granted. I will always put these people first in my life.

I would recommend a cultural exchange to anyone - especially with Fulbright as they're a fantastic organisation - but, if I could have my time again, I'd take closer heed of the advice given. Potential exchangees are told NEVER to exchange housing and as financially, most exhanges would not be possible without doing so, most exchangees go ahead and swap accommodation anyway. Don't. There's a reason for this advice and with hindsight, it would have been better not to do the exchange at all rather than to exchange houses. Also, unless you're used to being away for extended periods of time, I wouldn't recommend an exchange to people with pets or significant others. Ensure you and your partner are absolutely clear on exactly what you are, or are not, arranging or setting up for each other and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Over and out.