Department of Counseling

Twelve Days in Vienna:
My Personal, Social, and Cultural Adventure
By Jaime Ostendorf

Nearly two weeks of living abroad taught me many things about group dynamics, cultural differences, and even myself.  I am proud to say that the academic aspect of the Vienna experience complimented the personal growth that developed during the 12-day time span.  The sites were not only beautiful, but rich in history and culture.  The Flow House was spectacular both on the inside and out.  The icing on the cake was the mere one day of rain that we welcomed on a lazy Sunday afternoon.  As I reflect on my time in Vienna, I bring to mind all the memories I will carry with me for many years.

While there were a number of important people we met and places we toured, I find myself reflecting most on just one of those 12 days. Without a doubt, there were many things I wanted to see and accomplish, but biking 25 miles along the Danube River was certainly not on my European "To Do" list.  In fact, the initial thought of this excursion was not one that sounded appealing.  However, as I had more time to consider the option of biking along the Danube, I realized just how excited I was about the adventure.  Even in my journal, I made a casual note at the possibility of biking between Melk and Krems, but even then thought of it as an unlikely option.  For whatever the reason, I woke up early on a beautiful Friday morning, not knowing what the day would bring me, and took a train to the small town of Melk.

There are no words to describe the actual experience, and no amount of beautiful pictures can suitably re-tell the story, but I will always remember that particular day.  The weather was perfect, the sites were amazing, and the company was even better.  More than anything, however, I am proud of myself for trying something that is very "un-Jaime-like."  In many ways, this was not only a physical accomplishment, but a personal triumph as well.  It is entirely possible that I had a smile on my face from dawn to dusk, and that in itself speaks volumes. Finally, it gave me the opportunity to spend not only a day, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience with three of my classmates.  As you can see, the chance to study abroad leads to many avenues- academic, personal, cultural, and social opportunities.

Driving away from the Flow House on our departure date, I found myself already missing the group of with whom I had lived with for nearly two weeks. I no longer based the relationships on an academic scale; instead, they were my housemates.  I realized that a great deal of growth and love had developed amongst the class based on the time we had spent together.  Without a doubt, we had truly become a family.  This realization reaffirmed my decision to commit to the graduate program at Wake Forest.  Coming from a large, public university such as UNC-Chapel Hill, I was not used to the small class size and close relationships with professors. The Vienna experience allowed me to get to know my peers at a more intimate level, which I embraced wholeheartedly.

As I write this self-reflection, I think back on all the lessons I learned while in Vienna.  For one, it is truly possible for ten females to share a single bathroom. From the timed schedule we created each night, to the soft knocks on the bedroom doors each morning, us girls were considerate of each other at all times.  I also know what it would be like to have three older brothers, and as someone who always wondered what that would be like, my curiosity has been satisfied.  Because of the family-like relationship that developed, I truly feel as though I have three brothers who look out for me and the other ladies.  I also realized that walking to and from dinner is incredibly relaxing and sometimes even necessary after a large meal!  I loved being able to enjoy the fresh air and take in the scenery.  In fact, I was not looking forward to driving again, and the reasons go beyond that of the rising gasoline prices.

Sadly, I learned there is such thing as eating too much ice cream.  While the gelato in Vienna was delicious and unlike anything I have ever had in the U.S., my ice cream craving will be satisfied for weeks to come.  I do hope the Viennese citizens appreciate not only the gelato, but the incredible yogurts as well!  And finally, I realized that it is completely necessary to have a lazy day every now and then.  How else to recharge one's physical, mental, and emotional batteries than to catch up on R&R.  For someone such as myself, who is constantly on the go and willing to take on any project, relaxation is a rare indulgence. Therefore, I look forward to the many days in the future where I will grant myself the permission to unwind.

By now it should be quite obvious that my 12-day trip to Vienna was more than just an academic experience.  It is one that involved not only an entire European country, but a small group of people who will remain close for years to come. While I brought home a number of souvenirs, I know the most important gifts are the relationships that developed among my group of friends.

"The 2005 Vienna Family": Chris Delfausse, Philip Gnilka, Nathaniel Ivers, Mary Engerer, Jaime Ostendorf, Emy Gamb, Theresa Hamer, Ashley McPherson, Andrea Marin, Lyndsay Gross, Karen Perkins, Kate Williams, Jennifer Newsome, Dr. Debbie Newsome, Dr. Van WesterVelt.