Okay it was not emotional in any conceivable way, but I thought that might add a little spice to the blog post, considering it was a very average conversation partner meeting.
Most of the hour was spent by Anastasia asking me questions about American culture, society, norms, teenagers, rules, etc. I explained what my Christmas and New Years traditions are and how much family time is spent during Christmas break. Anastasia had previously mentioned how holidays are spent more with friends in Russia, so the whole family-centered idea of the holidays is still a little funky to her.
We also joked a lot about how wimpy we are here in Texas when it comes to winter weather. The current weather is a warm fall morning back in Russia, but here we are canceling classes, shutting down businesses, and fearing for our lives when simply walking on the sidewalk.
Despite my rocky start with the IEP program (still not bitter against Mull...), I throughly enjoyed my time with Anastasia. It fascinated me to hear about life in Russia and even the subtle differences between our two countries. So many customs and traditions we consider normal and expected could easily be viewed as strange, even pointless, to those from other countries and cultures.
Answering Anastasia's questions about growing up and living in the US made me reflect on what I have always considered so normal. I gained an outside perspective and was able to look at these habits, expectations, and social norms like never before. And what did I surmise? We're a weird culture.
I asked her again the question I asked when we first met: are you going to stay in the United States? Her response, however, had not changed. She still has no idea what she wants to do with her life, much less where she wants to do it.
At the end of our meeting, we said goodbye and wished each other well. Though I wish I could tell you some heart-wrenching story or last-minute confession, it was a terribly standard goodbye. Who knows, maybe we'll keep in touch?
More the goodbye I was looking for
*In Texas, the term blizzard applies to weather that's extremely cold (30s) and has the ever-so-slightest chance of precipitation.
Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI like that you were trying to be dramatic at the beginning, but it didn't work out so well between you and Anastasia. That is unexpected. Make me laugh a little. I'm glad that you guys had a chance to share different cultures and customs. My sister (who lives in Utah) said the same thing with Anastasia that we made a big deal out of nothing. But I think it's a big deal in Texas because we are not equipped to deal with this kind of blizzard. The icy road messes up people's driving skill and hello, falling ice. Just imagine you have spent all night to study; however, when you walk in the building to take the test, there is an ice cube falling to your head and you forget everything. I don't know what everybody else thinks, but I would say that it's pretty serious, right?!