The End.

As I write this blog, I am on the airplane home! These past two weeks have been full of heavy goodbyes, reuniting with family, and lots of travel. I am so sad to be leaving Perth but looking forward to what’s next in life!

The week of November 24 started with my last few days in the classroom. I spent Sunday at the beach again and came home to begin packing. Monday and Tuesday, I took in the last few moments with my students and the staff at Hillcrest. On Monday, I also taught a lesson to my students about Thanksgiving (since this isn’t a holiday celebrated in Australia). I shared the meaning behind Thanksgiving, showed them pictures from my own family Thanksgivings, and we made hand turkeys. I also talked about what it means to be thankful, and we all wrote down something we were thankful for.

Speaking of being thankful, I am so grateful for the extremely kind and welcoming staff at Hillcrest. On Tuesday (my last full day in the classroom), I arrived at school to a wonderful surprise. The teachers and EAs in the Early Childhood Unit had organized an “Aussie Thanksgiving” for me! Everyone brought their own Aussie snacks and treats, including pavlova with fruit (my favorite), lamingtons, pumpkin scones, sausage rolls, and more. I was so overwhelmed by their kindness. This whole experience has been such a blessing!

Wednesday was my last day with the students, though I was only there for the morning. I said my goodbyes, and many tears were shed. Then, I got to greet my parents and brother, who had just arrived in Perth! I showed them around the school and the suburb where I lived.

Once my family arrived, we headed to Scarborough Beach, where we spent the week in a condo right on the beach. I showed my family around my favorite spots around Perth. We spent lots of time enjoying the beach and traveled to Rottnest Island. There we saw lots of Quokkas and got some adorable selfies with them!

After a short week in Perth, we flew to Queenstown, New Zealand. New Zealand might just be the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen! We hiked a little, took a boat tour of the Milford Sound Fiordland, and visited some of the small mountain towns. It was such a fun week! On Friday, December 6, we flew back to Australia and spent the day in Sydney. We hit iconic landmarks like the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.

And now here I am—on a flight back home to Ohio. We land tonight (December 7). Reflecting on this trip, I feel so thankful for the experience and the way everything worked out. From my host family to the students and staff at my school, this journey has been life-changing. I’ve seen amazing sights, experienced a new culture, and grown so much in both my independence and professionalism. I can’t wait to bring what I’ve learned back into my own classroom in just a few short months.

While I’m not entirely sure what lies ahead, I know everything will work out in its own timing. I hope to find a job in the Ashland/Wayne County in the Early Childhood side of my education degree. I’m so sad my time in Australia has come to an end—it truly flew by—but I will be back eventually!

Thanks for following along on my journey. I couldn't have done this without the incredible support from so many at home! See you all soon!