I am finally in a routine here in Bognor, and I really beginning to enjoy this whole experience. I wake up everyday around 6:30am, work out and get ready for classes. As I walk to the bus stop, I hear the seagulls while they fly overhead from the ocean, which is about four miles away from where I am residing. I watch the primary and secondary students walk to school. While I wait for the bus, I set out my plan for my day ahead of me. I also reflect on the previous days and remind myself why I am here. Since I live so close to the ocean, I can feel the breeze, which lifts my spirits whenever I am feeling down. After waiting a little while, I get on the bus, head to school, and go about my day. I have realized that I function better if I am in a consistent routine; it keeps me motivated and organized.

This week was definitely a week of firsts for me. While I am here, I look for new things to experience. I have been trying new foods, as well as, partaking in social activities. Last weekend, my host family took me to Tesco in Littlehampton while they grocery shopped. Tesco is like Wal-Mart. It is one of their largest superstores in England. I thought it would be a good experience to go out and live like a local. It was interesting to see how average people live from day to day. One of the sons of my host family came over to spend the day with us over the weekend, as well. He brought his toddler son with him. I spent the day with the family, which was comforting since I am so far away from my own family. We walked to the beach and saw a seal in the ocean. I also picked up some stones from the beach to take home with me.

Another first for me was to go out to the local club. Every Thursday night, this club called Sheiks has discounts for students. Sheiks is basically a huge dance club! At first, I was a little hesitant to go because I have not experienced that kind of thing in The States, but some of my new friends told me it would be a lot of fun. So after having a day of classes, I came home, had dinner, got ready, and then went to one of the girl’s houses. While we were there, we hung out and prepared to go to Sheiks. Later in the night, we walked to Sheiks and the night got underway. It was definitely a new experience for me seeing that I am not yet legal to drink in the United States. I had a lot of fun dancing with my new friends and other classmates. It was definitely a night to remember, and I plan on going out again! I am proud of myself for not allowing my inhibitions stop me from experiencing something new. That is definitely a first for me, as well. I am usually very cautious about going out of my comfort zone. This whole experience has definitely opened up some new doors for me, and I am thankful for that.

Well, I am going to try to spend the rest of my weekend finishing up some homework and doing some relaxing before another busy week begins…

Cheers!

Location: Bognor Regis, England, UK