This spring we'll be bringing you posts from a few Pioneers that are studying abroad this semester. Defensive back Max Keller '14 is currently in Melbourne, Australia and this is his first installation.
I was raised in a town of approximately 600 people, and to
say the least I have been immersed into the country lifestyle. Though I have
been able to experience city life a number of times, coming to Melbourne, a
city of 4.5 million people has been an extremely refreshing change. While
Australia is very much so “Westernized”, I learned quickly enough it is a
mistake to perceive things here as “American”. Removing this perception allowed
me to appreciate Melbourne, pronounced “Melbin”, for its diversity, history,
and culture. Melbourne is a city full of Italian, African, Indonesian, and
Asian descent and seeking out these pockets of diversity in the cafes, pubs,
and suburbs of the city has made for a great experience.
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| The Beach at Torquay |
You cannot help but fall in love with the Aussie accent and laid
back lifestyle from the minute you land at the Tullamarine Airport. My study
abroad program, IES Abroad, quickly had our group settled into our varying
apartments or residential colleges. And after that it’s easiest to describe my
time in Melbourne as a blur. My two week stay has included trips to St. Kildas
beach (only a half hour away), walks through the Melbourne botanical gardens,
and weekend stays at the seaside towns Anglesea and Torquay.
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| Melbourne's "White Night" |
My first weekend in Melbourne was one I will never forget.
The city annually hosts a festival called “White Night” that starts at 7pm and
concludes at 7am. The festival included live music, great food, and light shows
on the Yarra River. After a night of good music, new faces, great hospitality,
and 2 hours of sleep, IES Abroad took us to the small seaside town of Anglesea.
After arriving in Anglesea it wasn’t long before we found ourselves on a beach
with wetsuits on and a board in hand. Being from Minnesota where water is
abundant, but mostly frozen, this was something completely new to me.
Having only been to the ocean a few times I was keen to
listen to our instructors about the dangers of the “rip”, which will pull you
away from the beach and out to sea. One of my peers who was disappointed with
the difficulties that come with learning something new, wasn’t so keen. Before
long we saw him sitting on his board, head down, slowly drifting out to sea,
with our instructor swimming to him. The entire time, completely oblivious as
to what is going on around him, making for an entertaining story, and a lesson
well learned. The struggles that come with learning something new, playing
football, or adapting to a new area and culture will only be temporary if you paddle
a little harder, and get up a little faster. If you sit around and let the
waves hit your back, you’ll never get that opportunity to catch an
interception, (even if it’s likely you drop it) or immerse yourself in a great
culture, and you’ll most likely end up out to sea.
G’day from down under.
Max Keller
