My People and Places

So far, I'm having fun in Switzerland. Not as much as I could have or should have in my state, but my reckless stage is over, I paid my dues. At first I was worried cliques would appear. My friend did the Travel Study program in France and she said her group got really cliquey. In the beginning we were cliquey, we didn't really know anybody, so we stuck to those we know. But afterwards, I felt we were comfortable talking to most people. Now, I think, we've resorted to the decision that after we've explored the groups and types of people out there, we've settled back into our groups comfortably simply because that's the type of person we are.

People are different, and they're complicating. To me, it feels like we have our groups that we're most comfortable with yet it's also okay to hang out with other people. Cliques but never exclusive. I like that. In high school we never had cliques, or it felt like we didn't; just a separation between those wanting to go to college and those who don't. It was weird how it just so happen to go along ethnic lines. In college, my dorm was extremely cliquey, separated by gender and floor. For now, I'm happy the love is all around.

I'm glad we're all good with each other. But I don't think it's so hot when we're around people outside our program, specifically people who actually live here. I didn't know this until I got here, but Californian college students are loud, obnoxious people. There's a stereotype of "socal" people being a tad bit dumb and very superficial, especially when it comes to being an individual. I mean it's understandable, you're young, you're in a new country, there's free music, easy alcohol, it's summer, everyday should be carpe diem day. But DUDE, please have a little respect and consideration for your environment. Maybe it's because I'm a nerd that I came to Europe to learn. I'm not saying I didn't come here with the sole intent to drink, party, and meet people. I just didn't think being the group of people I came with would come with such Southern California perspectives.

For one thing, I didn't complain about nail polish, nail polish remover, hair curlers and/or straighteners within 40 minutes of arriving. I don't give a shit about my hair and nails and I think i can live without it for 5 weeks. I don't think it's absurd nothing is open on Sundays. I have no problem that people here don't speak my language because I am the one who's not from here and I should respect them. Just because I'm a customer doesn't mean I can do anything. I fucking stick out here anyway for being Asian, but I don't make it seem obvious I'm stupid by being loud and obnoxious. I feel crummy being with them sometimes. It must be worse for the natives here being around them, I don't like Americans either. But I'm also being very critical of my peers, I should be having fun with them too, not standing on the side rejecting their company. What's wrong with me?