Glacier (72 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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New Zealand 2 (76 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
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Sydney (166 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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New Zealand 1 (79 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
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5 semesters down, three to go

Now there is a scary idea! I took my one and only final exam today, and I am now done with my academic career in Australia. What have we learned in our time doing the "study" part of study abroad? One is that I have been hard-wired by the American education system to judge myself based on my academic achievements. In Australia, an "A" is called a "HD" or high distinction. Not only is this grade near impossible, it is attainable with a 80-100%. The best part is, there is no GPA. I had to perform my best, and forget about the number on a paper. I had to learn to be proud of a 75% instead of horrified. I also learned that university is not for everyone, and that in the Australia society where entering the workforce or going to trade school is not looked down upon, the stress to conform to one future path is gone. I never thought about not going to college, and here it seems strange to go to school because it is "expected" of you. I will be happy to go back to Madison where I know exactly what is required to do well. I can't wait to take a multiple choice test again!

The second part of being on this campus was my life in the student village. Living in a flat full of Asians, where my next door neighbors are German and my best friend is from Sweden, I learned a lot. One is that it is important to be understanding when living with others. You have to respect their space, habits, and sleeping patterns (no matter how strange). My tolerance for mold has increased (gross I know) and I now know the value of a nice shower. I will miss everyone here a great deal. The world seems a little smaller now that I have friends in every continent. I hope life brings us together again some day.

The final part of the journey is a question. I came here thinking I would have my whole life figured out when I left. I would know how I felt about more school, work, and my relationship. Thankfully, I will be spending a few days in Sydney and two weeks in New Zealand before heading home. So I don't have to answer the question right now....

what's next me???

Penguin Island

Penguin Island (54 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

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quokka

Rottnest (50 photos), by Amanda Fucinato

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
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school is out for... summer?

I never thought I would be in a class in November where people wish you a "Merry Christmas and a great summer!!". I just felt like screaming "DO YOU KNOW HOW COLD IT IS GOING TO BE WHEN I GET HOME? YOU HAVE NO IDEA.". But I kept myself in check. So class is done for the semester, and I am going on a little vacation before I start studying for my one final. I know, feel sorry for me. I will be on Rottnest Island, "Perth's playground", for a few nights camping with friends. Don't worry, I will bring back plenty of pictures.