Did you read, write, analyze, solve, accomplish, discuss, or connect today? What do you want from life? Which character traits do you seek to refine as part of your education? If you want to enrich yourself, glance over “Only Connect”� by William Cronon, which succinctly encapsulates everything we should strive, day in and day out, both in college and far beyond. After a couple of fairly rough weeks of reverse culture shock, I'm turning once again to this inspirational, philosophical piece that reminds me of my ultimate goals and how to go about achieving them, especially in a university setting. Here are some ways I've been connecting this week:

• Lunch at the RSC with friends! Carve out time for yourself, your stomach and your friends and you must try the new Indian place! My friend Anjana gave it her two thumbs-up, which was all the excuse I needed. From Basmati rice and chicken Tandoori to naan and chicken Biryani with tangy yogurt sauce, every single thing they serve up hot and fresh is simply delectable. I'm there twice a week … or more. If you don't love it, I will personally buy you some of your beloved Taco Bell with my own Shocker-dollars. Honestly!
• Periodicals! Take advantage of these free newspapers like the New York Times, USA Today, and Wichita Eagle, which are sprinkled all over campus and plug into the world at large. My only caveat is that I've started smelling like my grandmother (Potchouli and vanilla wafers) because I have done so many crosswords in the last month…
• Economic Book Club! First tests are rolling around, you're busy, your friends are busy and life has never felt more hectic. But, there is no room for complacency. Ask your favorite professor for a book recommendation and see if you can get others to join you. The book club I'm involved in happens bimonthly and is truly the highlight of my week! I have never been more intellectually stimulated! Sure, it's geeky, but you wouldn't believe how much fun it is, how much you will learn, and the strength of the impression you will make on professors by taking out-of-class initiatives to learn more.
• MAROON 5 is coming to WSU! I cannot wait until Adam Levine looks into my eyes and belts ”�She Will Be Loved' to me … and only me! Part of connecting is planning to connect and setting yourself up for success. What could be better than an inexpensive concert you'll remember forever? Go buy tickets!
• Of course, I couldn't wax poetically about community and connecting without mentioning our stellar student organizations. I'm a member of Student Ambassador Society (SAS) and we had our annual picnic at the Beggs' residence Tuesday evening. Shockers are so blessed to be led by such a considerate, competent and charming couple.

Take care, stay cool, and ”�Only connect…'

Drew

Now that I have finally completed my semester abroad in Berlin at the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht (HWR or Berlin School of Economics & Law), I would like to offer up a few comparisons and observations, which – I must note – are in no way objective, complete or representative of everyone’s experience. With those caveats considered, let’s jump right in!

Pros

• Diversity is off the charts. In my favorite class there were 14 people with 13 countries represented. I easily learned as much from my peers as from my professors.
• Berlin rocks! This city is dynamic, fast-paced and always changing. I could also put this in the ‘cons’ list, because all of this fun can be quite distracting.
• This semester I took an economics course taught by a former Marxist and attended a few seminars given by a prominent Marxian scholar. Such topics, and many others, are simply not available at WSU. I may not come back home waving a banner and carrying a little red book everywhere, but I’m thankful to have studied and considered different points of view without simply dismissing them as unworthy of serious thought. To me, this was perhaps the most beneficial academic aspect of my time abroad.
• Physical and mental removal from my ‘former life,’ allowed me to thoroughly consider and better prioritize my life. Don’t go on Study Abroad to solve your problems – it’s not therapy! But, at the same time, don’t be surprised if you learn your problems didn’t even exist in the first place. Life abroad is a roller coaster of emotions and I have successfully avoided motion sickness, enjoying the ride with my hands in the air at all times.

Cons

• Classes are typically four hours a day and awkwardly placed such that working part time in addition to attending university is almost impossible.
• I don’t speak German. It’s more difficult to make friends with the natives than with exchange students.
• Everyday life is more difficult in so many ways, including buying groceries, commuting and visiting the doctor. Doing simple tasks in a foreign country can consume days and leave one exhausted.
• The flexibility of scheduling, assignments, professors and literally every aspect is easier at WSU. We are so lucky!
• HWR doesn’t have an awesome mascot like Wu. Where’s the school spirit, HWR?!

Of course my life here cannot be reduced to a simple pro and con list … all I can say is these seven incredible months will forever remain in my heart, mind and fondest memories. I cannot recommend studying abroad enough! I’m a convert and don’t be surprised if I’m passing out unsolicited International Student Exchange Program and National Student Exchange pamphlets on campus in just a few short weeks. That being said, I’m looking forward to returning to the familiar comforts of WSU and sharing a coffee with friends by the Rhatigan Student Center fireplace!

Liebe Grüße,

Drew

Editor's note: Drew is currently studying in Germany as part of WSU's Study Abroad program.

Europe is so incredibly dangerous for me, as I can be as bourgeois-pretentious as I want without anyone blinking twice. However, I fear some of my acquired tastes might appear a smite too highfalutin in the Middle-Western states. Prithee, before you guillotine my head right into a basket, let's consider some typical European customs I engage in, occasionally ”�

Jet-setting: I have traveled to Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Palermo, Milan, Prague, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Leipzig in the last four months. Yet, I feel like I'm always in my Schloss and should really get out more.

Writing utensils: German pupils have long been required to write with a Kugelschreiber. So when expressing my grandiloque with my Lamy Safari fountain pen and a rainbow assortment of inks, I'm just trying to impress my profs. Cross my Herz.

Automobile selection: Apparently only BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Porsche and Volkswagen are allowed on the roads here.

Portraiture: All great Europeans (or Europeans-at-heart, as the case may be) need to record themselves for posterity. I’m really not one to break tradition.

Languages: I speak English, French and German daily. Yet, that's not impressive to anyone here.

Bio-products: Whether at the neighborhood Markt or my local Ullrich, choosing only environmentally friendly food is one's moral duty, crisis be damned!

Unemployment: Berlin has evolved outside of ”“ and indeed beyond ”“ the corporate sphere. We Berliners coddle ourselves and rarely lift a finger to do work of any kind. “Hedonism is progress.”� Or at least that's what my massage therapist tells me.

These behaviours behaviors are normal in Europa and integration is the name of my game. Please, I beg of you, prepare yourselves to accept my new-fangled, hoity-toity ways with open arms and maybe, just maybe, I'll let you have your Kuchen – and eat it too!

Ostentatiously yours,

Baron D. Alexandre Tedloque III