My alarm buzzes about three times before I actually get up. I roll over in defeat, pull out my phone to be greeted by about six CNN news notifications. All about, guess who? President Trump.
“President Trump attacks fourth estate.”
“Senate votes in Jeff Sessions, Trump’s pick for attorney general.”
It just keeps going. Every morning I wake up to at least four notifications, keeping me updated on the first 100 days of Trump. Every morning I feel like I’m reading a book, receiving a new chapter that I didn’t write or was able to be a part of. I’m on the outside looking in.
When I decided to study abroad, I knew I’d be leaving the country during a time of general chaos, as is usually the case when we elect a new president. I was sad about missing the inauguration, first 100 days and cabinet hearings.
This was when I thought Hillary Clinton was sure to be our first female president.
One of the most challenging parts of being abroad this semester is feeling like I’m missing my chance to inform as a journalist. Every time something new pops up on my news notifications, I feel like I’m losing a shot to tell stories of how the political drama in our country is affecting our very own Bloomington.
When the people of Bloomington stood up against the travel ban for their fellow university students who were immigrants, I felt pride.
I wanted to be a part of it. I felt like I was missing so many opportunities to witness firsthand the bravery and compassion being shown on my campus.
There is this saying that a lot of college students have when they are missing something amazing. It’s called, FOMO, or “fear of missing out.” Well, I’m having major FOMO when it comes to the reporting of the first 100 days.
I want to witness and record all of the amazing acts taking place either in protest or support of our president. No matter who you support, there is something incredible about watching the passion in someone’s eyes as they yell or march for something they believe in.
Take the Women’s March, for example. The whole day I was glued to my television, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feed, looking for people out there marching for what they believed in.
I wanted to be in Indianapolis with so many IU students. I wanted to be in Washington, D.C., watching as so many people walked, talked and sang for women everywhere.
But, a month into my stay here in Italy, I am starting to realize my outsider’s perspective is a blessing. I am witnessing history as many Europeans do. I see what they see, I have access to mainly European news outlets and read European headlines when I walk down the street.
There is not a more perfect time for me to have this. As an American, I have been raised to believe the United States is always right, that we are the people of freedom. But coming here, taking a political science class from the perspective of my Romanian professor, I am learning that much is left out of our history books.
We are not always being told the full story. This is typical of any country you study in. Often times, the history will always be centered around our own country. By studying in Italy, I am learning little bits of history I never would have, focused on different perspectives. This is a blessing.
When I come back at the end of this semester, I like to think I will return with a perspective of purpose. A perspective that is well rounded, with pride for my country, but a realistic view on it as well. This is something any journalist should have in their arsenal, especially when it comes to reporting on our current government.
Whenever I wake up from now on, I’ll greet the chaotic amounts of notifications on the latest scandal in our government with grace. I won’t be too sad, but looking forward to getting back to work once I leave the biggest adventure of my life so far to a new one.
