Texas A&M University

 Graduate and Professional School

August 2018

Missing Texas teaser image
Texas has been my home for 21 years. Spending three months abroad has been an incredible experience, but there are a few things I miss about God’s Country. 
  1. Air Conditioning 
While Texas is very hot this time of year, I am always able to find some comfortable air conditioning to avoid the heat. During my time abroad, I’ve only enjoyed air conditioning in a few high end museums and restaurants. The nights are warm and the desk fan can only do so much. I look forward to enjoying the air conditioning soon! 
 
     2.   Whataburger
      
I. MISS. WHATABURGER. I really don’t understand how I have managed nearly 100 days without a #5 with Dr. Pepper. They always say that you don’t know a good thing until it’s gone. As soon as I land in Houston I’m finding the closest Whataburger for my first meal stateside. Home. Sweet. Home.
 
     3.   Friends
 
I realized pretty quickly how quiet things can be when you’re only traveling with a few people. I was able to travel with a few of my close friends, but I really miss the rest of my friend group. I miss the late night video games and the trash talking between lifelong friends. I really look forward to getting home, grabbing my Xbox and locking myself in my apartment for three days just to catch up with the friends (and gaming) I miss so much. 
 
     4.   Family 
 
Everyone needs their family. I’ve never been away from mine for more than a month, let alone an entire summer. I miss church on Sundays and lunch with everyone right after. While independence is important, I believe that family is even more important. I’m only two weeks away from seeing mine (and eating MawMaw’s cooking) again!
 
     5.   Freedom
 
During my time abroad, I have had the freedom to visit multiple countries, try new foods and explore new places. This has been an amazing experience, but I really miss the freedom and ability to wake up, jump in the car and go anywhere. Everything here is on a schedule, where I can’t leave until there’s a bus that can take me where I want to go or a taxi that is available to pick me up. Public transportation has been wonderful, but I miss the ability and freedom to go where I want, when I want.

---
Joseph Tate
Joseph is a second-year Masters student at the Bush School of Government and Public Service
 

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