I learned so much on this trip, mainly by observing people and businesses, seeing what they do differently, and contemplating how I can try to take some of these practices home. I first need to realize that in this case, Iceland is at an advantage. With a much smaller population and being located at a prime geothermal hotspot, Iceland is reaping the benefits but they are also making active efforts to make it a standard for a sustainable way of life. Some things I was able to take away from this trip was to slow down and make small changes that can be just as important as bigger ones if enough contribute. Though it might be hard to implement practices I have learned, I can make small steps and included them into my daily life. Because of this trip, I can see that small changes here and there really make an impact in countries as small as Iceland. I can only hope for changes such as the ones Iceland has made in the United States.
?etta Reddast was a term we learned in Iceland that helps to convey the way of life they have in Iceland. ?etta Reddast, which basically means it will all work itself out in the end, is a saying I am going to try to live by or at least think about when things are getting too overwhelming. My time abroad has definitely changed my perspective of what else is out there and has opened my mind to the idea of new ways of doing things that might be very different from my own. Going abroad has taught me to keep an open mind and see what a new place or adventure has to offer. It taught me to take the chance or go on that excursion because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am so grateful to have been able to experience something like this and I look forward to telling others the great experiences I have had while studying abroad.
