Clocks

I don't wear my watch to tell the time. I wear it to remind me of the time I have left. To remind me that time doesn't stop. To remind me of the value of seconds and minutes and hours.  It's consistent, rhythmic, ongoing, and fragile. Time slips away and before you know it, you're wishing for another second or minute or hour.

I always think about time. The time I have been here in Germany, the time I have left in Germany, the time I spent preparing for Germany, and the years I spent dreaming of Germany. When I go back and think of the 11 years I dreamt of the exact life I have now, it's amazing. It reminds me that the 211 days here are so special. These days are gifts-- everyday is one that I can only experience once in a lifetime. This year will be something I can never relive, not only because I am on exchange but because every year is one you can never relive.

My exchange has taught me the importance of time. It taught me that everyday life still has a goal, still has value, because these days are the ones making up the 302 days of my exchange. I give myself a goal for everyday at school, and I always work to achieve that.  Everyday I should learn a new word, meet a new person, experience a new type of food, and undergo another hardship because that is the point of this year. It has made me realize that there should be pressure on everyday, no matter whether you are on exchange or in the town you have lived in for your entire life. Everyday is important and sometimes it takes getting out of your element to realize that.