Harrison DeCotis
This week in Spain has been the best one so far. This is the last week that I will be at my internship, I know that I will miss it very much. I have learned so much from the people I work with, and I will cherish everything I have learned with them. When I had started working with my internship, I experienced some issues. Mainly, a language barrier. However, through the persistence and compaction of my coworkers, this issue turned into a much needed lesson. I have learned the majority of my Spanish from the people o work with. With out them I would not be able to comprehend as much as I can. Also I have learned what it is like to work in a friendly environment from watching them. Everyone in the building knows everyone’s name. I have heard many horror stories about competitive working environments, but this is not that. Dailey, there is a group that goes to get coffee. Anyone who wants to come is invited to do so. Mannie and I have gone with the group a couple of times. We have learned a lot about the people we work with through these trips. I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. I have learned a lot about community, and doing my part during my internship. However, it is seeing the way these people interact with each other that really teaches me about community. I would not trade this experience for any other, and I a so happy I am placed with this job.
This is my last week with my family. They have brought me in as one of their own. Whenever I am here, I feel like I am one of the family. I feel like they have accepted me into their house and I know I now have family in Spain. In the United States, my family is very close. I know what it is like to be with a family who loves each other. My family in Spain is one of those families. When we sit down to eat, we do laugh and joke the whole time. Even though I may not always understand what they are saying, I know that they all love each other. That much is clear. I also know that they love me, that is also very clear. When I was leaving for Barcelona, I was wished a happy goodbye from everyone in the family. A was given so much advice, wishes for safe travels, and I was told time after time how much they would miss me. I am so thankful for my family. I know if/ when I come back to Spain, I have a place to stay and a family to be apart of.
This weekend we go the beach as a group. I couldn’t be more excited. I have always been huge fan of the beach, and this will be my first swimming opportunity of the year. I have grown very close with the people on this trip so far and I am excited to spend some time with them at the beach. It is going to be such a fun time. We have all been so busy with work and exploring the city, it will be very nice to sit and relax.
I can not believe that time in Granada is almost at its end. I have had the time of my life here. I have learned so much about my self. I have explored my independence and I have learned what I am capable of on my own. I have also learned what the world is like outside of my bubble. I have never lived in a big city. Being in a big place, with many different types of people, has at times been very challenging. I have seen many things I am not accustomed. I have been put in many some situations that I was not use to. But from those experiences I have learned a lot about my self. I have a better understanding of who I am and what I can handle as a person. I have grown a lot sense I have been here and I am very proud of the person I have become. I would like to continue to explore who I am as a person, and I hope I get the chance to do so.
Lastly I want to talk about what I will miss about Granada and what I am excited to return to in the States. I have never been so in love with a culture before. I have meet the nicest people. People who care a lot about their fellow man. I will greatly miss walking around in a city where people genuinely care about one another. I will also miss having mass in the Cathedral. Don’t get me wrong, I love my church at home, however having mass in the Cathedral is a life changing experience. Lastly, I will miss the the people I have met. Between the people I work with, the family I have grow apart of, and the friends I have made. I am very excited to go home. I miss my family, my bed, and oddly enough my simple pizza job. I know that will wear off, but for now I long for it. I am excited to return home, but I know I will forever miss Granada. A piece of me will be here forever. And I know a piece of Granada will be with me forever.
