Week 3 at PSU

This week was full of ups and downs, but I created some wonderful memories. I did things I would never normally do, trying new things can be so FUN! I was able to go out to a birthday party on Valentines day. Staying out until after 2AM the night before my first test...something I would never do haha. I was also able to go out to a new beach this week with four other new Thai friends. I also received what they call a "Phuket Kiss". I burned my leg while getting off of a motorbike. Not fun, but a good lesson always get off on the left side haha. I absolutely love learning from the people here. I learned that my Thai friend Jane struggles with English as many of her other Thai friends do. I was able to help her with her English this week when we were studying for our test. She taught me so many things. She taught me how important it is for woman here to be stick thin, because if you are not most men will think you are unattractive. She also says that all women want to have white skin. They have several whitening products, lotions and body wash, etc. They seem to really struggle with wanting to change themselves rather than what I grew up with learning how important it is to be YOU and be your own person. She shared with me that she only eats one meal day because she is dieting. I felt so bad for her. I wanted to show her how beautiful she really is. I told her in America you are thin...then she began talking to me about her acne, and how her mother buys her medicine to get rid of it. I know everywhere you go society is telling us what the ideal man or woman looks like, but I want these young girls to know they are BEAUTIFUL. I am also excited to make a difference in the "Safe House" here. There is a place where Thai orphans go when their parents abandon them, or lose them to an addiction or they may be in jail. This semester I am enrolled in Social Psychology, and we are required to do case studies, and help these children to see how special they truly are. I can't wait to share a smile with these children. All in all, I am so excited to be here, and to give back while I enjoy this warm weather, beautiful beaches, it's truly a dream come true for me. My birthday is coming and I keep meeting new friends...so it might be a big party haha. We'll see how things go, I am ready to have the time of my life, and can't wait for the love of my life to get here. My boyfriend should be here just in time for my birthday! Until next time...