New Quarter, New Me?!

Published:


There is a new group of students that have moved into my hall. I already made my group of friends but socializing and starting all over is fun, so I decided to introduce myself to all the newcomers. As I began to speak to them, I realized they were just as clueless as I was coming in.

To my surprise, I ended up being a great help to them. I shard my tips and tricks of the city. I went grocery shopping with a group of girls and showed them the shortcut and even taught them how to balance their grocery bag on their bikes. I told them my preference in the grocery store I shop in and reasons for it.

They asked me questions about buying appliances and cheap train tickets and I shared my knowledge with them. I gave them my number and they still message me about questions they have.

I did not have to help them. In fact, I did not even have to introduce myself but honestly, I am glad I did. I remember how hard it was in the beginning. I remember wishing I had known more about Maastricht before arriving and although I did not gain anything from helping them I was happy. When I moved in, there was a group of students moving out and one of the Australian girls gave me a pan for free and it was the greatest gift I could have received because that is the only pan I cook with. Therefore, I am just returning the favor because you never know when you will need help.

Allyson Vasquez-Bruno

<i>Hello in your host country language</i>: Hello/Hallo <i> University</i>: SUniversity of California, San Diego <i>Expected graduation year</i>: 2019 <i>Destination</i>: Maastricht, Netherlands <i>Program Provider</i>: UCEAP <i>Major / Minor</i>: Human Developmental Sciences / Psychology and Education <i>Language of Study</i>: Dutch <i>Demographic background</i>: First-generation, Mexican-American <i>Future career aspirations</i>: Mathematics Teacher / Principal <i>Top 3 goals for study abroad</i>: To learn about Netherlands' secondary education system; To volunteer in different education programs; To travel and discover different cultures.