Maintaining my Identity while Studying Abroad in Sydney

When I think about what makes me who I am, I always think about my hobbies, the people I surround myself with, and what’s important to me. I struggle to answer the question “what are your hobbies” because I try to find enjoyment in most things I do, but realistically, my hobbies are reading, going to the beach, drinking coffee, trying new food, and spending time with the people that I love.  

Stuck a phone in a heart shaped hole at the beach to take this picture.

What I Captured 

Reading and Exploring  

On one of my first days studying abroad in Sydney, I visited the local library and got a library card. I used this card multiple times, and my friends begged me to help them get cards too. I tried to go to the beach at least a few times a week to take advantage of the beautiful weather and places Sydney offers.  

Two study abroad students sitting together and smiling

Sriya and I after visiting the Glebe Markets and napping on the beach.

I felt very fortunate to be in Australia during their summer months instead of in Minneapolis winter back at school. 

A green bookcase with a bird on it

Take-a-book-leave-a-book library where I borrowed my next read.

Art Abroad 

Even though I didn’t miss the weather at UMN, I did miss my friends and family dearly. To cope, I spent a lot of time with my new study abroad friends in Sydney.  

A room with art on the wall

A red room in an art museum. There was lots of beautiful work in this room.

I’m very fortunate and grateful to CEA CAPA for providing me with a great group of friends that are very similar to me. 

A group of people sitting at tables in a restaurant

A hidden café behind a bookstore in Glebe. 

We started a book club, visited art galleries, tried new cafés, went on hikes, and did many other things that I personally enjoy.  

A study abroad student walking on a path in the woods

This is a photo of me taking in the scenery on a hike.

I think that I would’ve struggled a lot more if I didn’t have a community of people with similar identities and interests. 

A table with drawings on it

Artwork featuring marine animals in the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.

While we had a lot of similarities, we also had a few key differences that made us an interesting group.  

A couple of study abroad students smiling for a selfie

Spontaneous sunrise with Shivani after getting no sleep.

As a Quaker, I hardly ever meet other Quakers and never expect to. This is a part of my identity that I never really see “out in the wild” so to speak. I didn’t go to a meeting for worship in Sydney yet because of life getting in the way. I have, however, spent time quietly reflecting on my own, and I was truly happy being in Sydney. 

A person standing next to a bunch of flowers

Flower booth at Bondi Market.

A study abroad student sitting at a table with a pizza

Me, about to eat a $12 pizza.



Piper Salmon is the Content Creator – Photographer in Sydney, Australia, and is currently studying at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

 

Source link
All Materials on this website/blog are only for Learning & Educational purposes. It is strictly recommended to buy the products from the original owner/publisher of these products. Our intention is not to infringe any copyright policy. If you are the copyright holder of any of the content uploaded on this site and don’t want it to be here. Instead of taking any other action, please contact us. Your complaint would be honored, and the highlighted content will be removed instantly.

Leave a Comment

  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • LinkedIn
  • More Networks
Copy link