Thinking about the future

Living in Vienna and traveling around Europe has definitely allowed me to realize how big this world is, and how many different paths there are for me to take. This week, I've been thinking a lot about the future. Before I left for Vienna, my only plans for after DePauw were: 1) Apply to Teach for America, or 2) Continue going to school. I have started to consider other options now though, like applying for a program in Europe, or taking a year off to work and travel some more. There is just so much more to the world than I had previously experienced. I've also realized while being here how much I like to write and create. So, as new doors seem to be opening, it's exciting but also scary, because that means there's just another door that I will have to close eventually.

Highlights from the week:

Monday, October 5th: "Eugen Onegin" at the Staatsoper.

Tuesday, October 6th: I auditioned for a choir at the University of Vienna. The auditions were a bit frightening, because they are run entirely in German, so I could not understand most of what the director was saying. I sight-read 6 bars of a jazz version of "White Christmas." The director is convinced I'm a tenor, not a baritone, and also criticized my program in Vienna for only being 4 months - he claims that it's not enough time to really learn a language (which I agree with, but that's not the main reason I'm here). Long story short, I'm a member of the University's Symphonic Choir! We rehearse on Tuesdays evenings.

Thursday, October 8th: "La Boheme" at the Staatsoper. Puccini is a winner.

Friday, October 9th: I went to a heurigen in Grinzing for dinner. I had a vegetarian dish, with bowtie pasta, potatoes, peppers, onions, zucchini, other vegetables, and lots of olive oil (yes, Mom and Dad, I eat peppers and onions now - still no olives or mushrooms, though). Also, I had my first Sturm (wine made with this year's grapes - it goes out of season soon). It was the best meal I've had in Europe. After, we went to a University party at the Rathaus, one of the large government buildings downtown. There was a lot of dancing, and it was a great start to the weekend.

Saturday, October 10th: Two guys in the program had birthdays this weekend, and I went to both of their parties. We ate some really good Viennese cake.


I would say that while I do miss DePauw, I'm definitely glad I'm here. This weekend DU, my fraternity, had its informal. They picked pumpkins and went through a corn maze. It would have been a lot of fun, so I'm sad to have missed it. Also, today is DePauwCappella's first concert! So obviously I wish I could be there, too. I just have to keep in mind the great and unique opportunities I'm having here, because all of that stuff will still be waiting when I get back.


I love you all.