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Immersed
in another land — and learning to love it
By
John Borhaug
My fascination with America
began in 1988 when my parents took me to California for the best
vacation of my life. It was fantastic —the homes, the pools,
the palms. Everything was so much cheaper than in my native Norway,
and everything was bigger, too, from the cars to the pinecones in
Yosemite National Park. Ever since, America has carried an intangible
attraction for me, an allure that’s been slightly easier to
define since I arrived at Ohio University this past fall to begin
my master’s degree in journalism.
During my time here, I’ve come to love the American mentality.
It’s an amazing combination of greatness and modesty highlighted
by a natural friendliness offered for no other reason than to be
friendly. But I guess the real appeal for me is the dream, the image
of the land of opportunity, and the rewards gained from working
hard.
There are a few things, however, that I don’t like. It’s
annoying that some Americans don’t have a clue about anything
outside the United States. The American way of thinking is, understandably,
so American and can lack an outside perspective. Then again, Americans
often are the first to say it is a shame. I find this quality appealing
because I have yet to come across any other nationality that so
willingly and constructively accepts criticism.
Once I graduate, I intend to repeat a trip across the country that
I took during winter break. I traveled through 29 states, visiting
such places as Niagara Falls, Nashville, the Florida Keys, Oklahoma
City and Los Angeles. But this time, I want to spend six months
on the road instead of six weeks. After that, I hope to get an Associated
Press internship, and then I must serve a mandated yearlong stint
in Norway’s National Service.
Having earned an undergraduate degree in June 2000 in England and
traveled extensively, I know how rewarding it is to adopt a perspective
beyond that of the little area in which you were raised. Once you
have gained an international awareness, you see things differently.
I’ve learned more about myself in my four years away than I
did during my 19 years at home. Other cultures have so much to offer,
and I hope I never grow tired of learning about and experiencing
them.
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