Today is my second to last day in Alice Springs.  I go home Friday.  After six weeks here I can honestly say that this experience has changed my view on things for the better and has also opened my mind up to a different way of life.

After this morning’s farewell speech in front of the school I feel like I have brought the trip to an end and now all that is left is packing and goodbyes. I have done so much, seen so much and learned so much, all things that I will remember in Montreal. For example, I have learned that not all Australians from the outback are “bogans” and that being killed by animal life in Australia is not that common and not as I was told before coming here. I have learned to appreciate the peace and quiet of country life and I feel like once I get back to Montreal I will seek quiet more often. I have become accustomed to living in the outdoors and going back to a cold and grey Montreal will be very difficult. I have also had a taste of independence and now I crave it and will want more of it as time goes by. I have seen that I am capable of living without the constant support form my parents and that I can be very mature. I have grown as a person and made friends I will remember forever. I will miss my host family and their care but now I look forward to arriving back to my “normal” world and seeing my friends, family and just plain old Montreal in general. I will remember the Outback forever and I look forward to my next life adventure. –Justin Binstock ’15