The End Is Approaching

As of tomorrow, I will have taken my last actual classes in Australia. I will then spend the month of June studying and taking exams (after a brief, much-needed excursion to Sydney). This shocking realization has forced me to think about what I actually have learned while being here. Not surprisingly, only about .5% of these things were learned in the actual classroom.
For instance, I learned that Australians in general, and friendly outgoing lovely people. I have a deep respect for their society, because nowhere else can I leave my laptop and wallet in the library while I go use the toilet, print things, and refill on coffee. Australians actually trust each other. This is a country where you can leave your back door open all night, and the only thing that will come into your house is a carpet python.
I can walk from school to the train in the dark and not be concerned when six strange men stop me to ask if I am alright walking alone. It is not uncommon for you to know your bus driver by name and be able to recount the details of their recent fishing trip. Likewise, my coffee man checks on how my exams went as frequently as my own mother. People in Australia actually want to help you.
My teacher as school actually care about me. When I was late my professor asked me if I was alright, rather than being annoyed at my tardiness. This experience has taught me that good teachers are what make an educational experience. The class that I actually learned a lot in, was taught by a group of teachers who were so enthusiastic, I barely have to study for the final. They made me remember everything the first time around. Granted, I already liked bugs, but I didn't think I could spend this many hours in a bug class every week and want to learn MORE. But I do, and it's great.
My other classes however, that you may have noticed me complaining about, were taught by possibly the most boring people that I have ever met. If they can't be excited about the subject, how should I be excited about the subject? Exactly.
In my free time I learned to crochet slippers, and hats, and now I am making a blanket. I learned about the mind of three year old in more detail than I had ever planned. I learned that it takes time to get to know people, and that I will likely change my mind about them ten times in the first three months.
I learned how to deal with leeches. I learned how to recognize the smell of Eucalyptus. I learned many uses for Eucalypus oil.
I will come home with cravings for meat pies and nutella. I will say funny words and use funny phrases, and probably not notice it until everyone laughs.
I will have pet a kangaroo, and swam with sea turtles.
More importantly, I now have a passion for biological conservation, writing, and traveling. I've read books for fun (for the first time during an actual school season).
This was truly the breath of Australian air that I needed to push me to consider graduate school. I am actually excited about learning, and experiencing things again.
Most of these things that I've learned still need to float around my head for awhile before I do anything with them, but really, these are the things that Australia has given me. And most of them, were not found in class. In fact, I am willing to bet that I learned more by skipping class than going. Tell that to the dean.
Now to plan my next trip... ;)

Also, I think I look more and more like my mother.