Dreaming in Anticipation

Many young girls dream up a pretend life as a princess. They have pet unicorns and live in castles with secret passageways. A knight in shinning armor rescues them from an evil dragon, or they befriend the dragon and have the knight join in on a group picnic. While I've enjoyed the opportunity to babysit such "girlie girls" over the years, I always found myself amused but couldn't quite relate to their obsessions over the color pink or Barbie and Ken's wedding day.

Instead, I was the five year-old frolicking in our Virginia back woods. Soon after watching Pocahontas for the first time I often sang "Just around the River Bend,” pretending to talk with an imaginary hummingbird or listening in for advice from old willows.  I once promised myself I'd never be one of those 90's babies with a soft spot for a particular Disney princess... However, this animated version of the famous Native American historical figurehead made a significant impression early on (although I personally identify with Meg from Hercules... a story for another day). Pocahontas proved to be courageous during adventures, stood true to her convictions and followed her heart. Bravo to Disney for conveying a female role model who did not always swoon over prince charming while simultaneously illustrating a fairytale-like effect on U.S. History!

Side note: http://thoughtcatalog.com/2012/10-disney-princes-and-whether-or-not-you-should-marry-them/

Embracing my immense amount of curiosity and interest in the world as an avid traveler, my heart leads me to Denmark. Of course, venturing a bit off the beaten path with this lesser known country (no offense to Pocahontas and her British explorations), I too have been pulled by passion. My passions lie in the captivating concepts of positive psychology. The Danish Institute for Study Abroad [DIS] offers a practicum program covering this newer psychological field. Alas, rather than graduating early I shall close the University of Missouri chapter and roam where the Danes live!

As I wait in anticipation to scurry along with the “hurry up and wait” airport norm, I have come to the realization that Copenhagen may very well be the place I was meant to thrive! Trolling over Denmark.dk, I’m surprised my eyes haven’t permanently popped out of my skull. I’m simply fascinated over the fact that women are dominating the Danish pop music industry… girls manage stilettos while riding bikes all over the Copenhagen… a Dane invented the “RoboCluster” lawn mower which is controlled by a Nintendo Wii remote! Talk about geeking out over international enthrallment! I am officially sold!

My dream castle has transformed into a quaint brick building covered in ivy known as St. Kannikestræde 13. It shall house thirty-one DIS students, although I’m not positive if everyone is a part of the Culinary House program. Regardless, it shall be a piece of cake compared to a sorority house hosting seventy-seven. This holds especially true considering there are three social and residential advisors compared to one house mother (loved my experiences all the same). Yet, the areas surrounding my temporary home sound even better than the dwelling itself! The location of DIS is a mere five minute walk away (closer than half my classes at MIZZOU). The Copenhagen Jazzhouse shall satisfy my artistic cravings for an evening with my sketchpad, and it converts into a night club! Finally an ideal entertainment venue within walking distance! Little cafés trickle all over the surrounding streets up to the Kongens Have (The Kings Garden). This public park sits next door to the University of Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden as well! A Fitness DK stands ten minutes away with a small club fee with spinning classes so I can continue my exercise routine. While all these compelling attractions overwhelm me before I even arrive, I can’t forget the whole reason for pursuing the program: academics. In denial of my winter break coming to an end, I find relief knowing the Copenhagen public library is located RIGHT behind our house! Toodles, Columbia public library… I will miss you but it seems I am upgrading to a palace of countless knowledge in a foreign language. People watching may, of course, continue as a major distraction but at least I’ll remain ignorant of fellow book seekers’ conversations! If I get restless from researching psychology I can simply pop over to the museums near by…. the perks just keep coming! I am not even there yet!