“Distance makes the heart grow fonder,” some wise old poet once said. And, while this usually refers to being away from a loved one, in my time studying abroad I have come to realize this also applies to the love I have for my mother country the good ol’ U.S. of A. Being abroad made me realize just how much I love the United States. Don’t get me wrong — Spain has been a kind and gracious host. I wouldn’t change a thing about her, but nothing can replace the warm feeling I get in my heart when I hear “God Bless the USA” come on the country music station.

However, being abroad has been a really eye-opening experience and really has brought the United States into context for me. It wasn’t until I saw how other people lived that I was able to contextualize the United States into a broader worldview. Living in Spain I came to enjoy siestas, walking everywhere and lower drinking ages. I immersed myself in a culture that does everything later and prides itself on having a relaxed lifestyle.

In Spain there is a saying that translates as, “In Spain we work to live, and in the United States you live to work,” which honestly isn’t far off. When was the last time American businesses closed for a daily afternoon nap or Congress discussed the idea of mandating five weeks paid vacation?

But with all these positive things about Spain, the United States still is the country I love more than any other. Sure, we drive everywhere and have a ridiculously high drinking age, but these are the things that make the United States the United States.

Funny enough, these are also the things Europeans tend to know about us. My roommates are always shocked when I tell them that I can buy a gun at 18 but have to wait until I am 21 to drink. And, sure, these things are negative and a bit annoying, but the redeeming qualities of the United States more than make up for the negative.

We can drive at 16 or earlier, and many people have a car by that age. Unlike many Spaniards, we leave home before we are married. Most importantly, the idea of changing your major in college is something we embrace (a concept that is almost unheard of in the Spanish education system). All these little things point to the bigger picture, which in my mind is this: self-determination is a value we appreciate and believe in much more in the United States.

But you know what: this is only my conclusion from my five months abroad in Europe. If you were to go abroad you may feel differently. That is why I encourage you to study abroad if you can. Not only will you learn a completely different culture, but you also will come to understand your own so much better. In a sense, not only will it be worth your time, but you also can consider it your patriotic duty.

Chad Landrum is a history junior. He can be reached at [email protected]

In My Opinion is a weekly column open to any Loyola student. Those interested in contributing can contact [email protected]