101

Yesterday, I had officially lived in Germany for 100 days. Although that’s a monumental step that many exchange students find important and mark off as a great moment in their lives, I have not been counting my days here. Another student told me that we have been here for 100 days, and that’s the only way I had knowledge of it. As a result of my lack of knowledge of this occurrence, I allowed myself no time for personal reflection, no time for talking to my family about the time I’ve spent away, no time for writing a blog post...
So, today, I have written such a post about 101. Naturally, when pondering the number, I thought of Dalmatians and the fact that you could count to 101 when singing ‘the ants go marching,’ but I had to use some other sources to construct a truly amazing resume for 101. 

101 is...

• the 26th prime number...
• a palindromic number…
• the sum of the consecutive primes (13+17+19+23+29)…
• the atomic number of mendelevium, an actinide…
• the Messier designation given to the Pinwheel Galaxy in Ursa Major.

• Taipei 101 was the tallest skyscraper in the world from 2004-2010.
• A province in Thailand, Roi Et Province, is literally 101 in Thai language.
• The number of the first check in a checkbook in the US is 101. 
• It is a term used to define the number of keys on a computer keyboard.
• 101 is the Single Non-Emergency Number in some parts of the UK.
• The Zastava 101 is a compact car by the former Yugoslav automaker.
• Rihanna - Rockstar 101
• In gematria, a system of assigning numerical value to a word or phrase, 101 is the numerical value of the name מִיכָאֵל (Michael in English).

And, the most relatable fact about 101, is how it represents an introductory level of learning. Being in Germany for 101 days has allowed me to gain (at least) an introductory level of learning in the German language, German culture, general German systems, German food, German schools, how German social interactions work, German nightlife, typical German personalities, and much more about the general way of life in this country. In the next six and a half months, I will become an expert in everything German. For now, however, I remain a beginner, having just finished ‘Living in Germany 101.’ 

Weihnachtsmärkte

In the past couple of weeks, I have discovered that German Christmas, and the weeks that come before it, are very very very very German. In every city, large or small, a Christmas Market, or Weihnachtsmärkt, is held for four weeks before Christmas. This is the hub, the home, of all traditional German Christmas life.
Thus far, I have been to the Weihnachtsmärkt in the center of Jena almost every day since it opened the weekend before December. I have also been to an alternative Christmas Market in an old factory in Jena, the market in Weimar, the market in Leipzig, and I am going to the one in Erfurt this Sunday. It’s very nice to have a chance to see so many new cities and learn about their history, by way of my friends and my host mother. Throughout this learning, I have realized that I enjoy Christmas Markets, even though I have also quickly realized they are almost all the same. 
At each market, you see booth after booth of German Christmas decorations, all of which are super traditional. Most are made of wood, show classic Christmas themed pictures, and range from simple ornaments to hang on your tree, to complex, three-foot-tall, perfectly crafted pyramids that move by the power of candle light. Other popular themes for stands include pottery, jewelry, wooden animals, paper lights that are shaped like stars, fancy candles, bags, and chocolate shaped like things you find in a toolbox…
Although all of this is definitely exciting, it does get a little repetitive and a little less interesting as time goes on. Luckily for me, there is one thing I love that will bring me back to any event over and over again for the rest of my life, and that is food. I would approximate that about 87% of people that are at a Christmas market at any given time are just there to drink glühwein with their friends. Glühwein is warm, sweet wine that tastes delicious and is perfect for the cold winter. At Weihnachtsmärkte, it is accompanied by a wide variety of sausages, crepes, sugar-covered roasted nuts, liebeskuchen, and much much more.
Christmas markets are the perfect, German, holiday experience. I’m sure I will go to many more before they come to a close, enjoy a lot more glühwein with my friends, and hopefully swing by Germany every few winters for Weihnachtsmärkte to come.

Surreal moments of realization...

I’m glad I can still have surreal moments of realization about my current situation. Even though I have now lived in Germany for well over two months, I still find shock in the fact that I’m here for eight more. I won’t be home for eight more. I won’t see my family for eight more. I won’t be living an average life for eight more, and that doesn’t make me sad. It still has never made me upset. What I’m doing is amazing, and I realize that every day. For eight more months, I will be speaking leaning to be fluent in a different language. For eight more months, I will be living completely immersed in a foreign culture. For eight more months, I will be partaking in an adventure that so few people are brave enough to conquer. I am so glad I had the guts and the open-mind to let this be an event in my life, and I’m going to keep fighting to make it better and better. I will keep fighting for the rest of my life to obtain experiences that blow my own mind. Life’s too short to do what everyone else does. 

A change in the weather can make everything better...

Although the weather in Deutschland has not actually improved, (it gets colder and colder each day with the promise of impending frost and snow) I have switched host families and am feeling a positive change in the the weather of my stay...
A week ago, AFS allowed me to switch out of my original host family and begin living with a new one. The makeup of my new family is much different than that of my old one. It consists of a mother (my photography teacher at school), and her eighteen year old daughter. Thus far, they have made living with them very enjoyable, which might be a result of our many shared interests. Maintaining a love for food is important for all of us. Each day we have delicious, warm, home-like food, often including many vegetables and soups, similar to what I eat with my family in the US. We also share a love for music, art (especially photography), and adventure. We share the same ideology about life, the best ways to use time, the importance of friends, and, better, of self worth. Most importantly, we share the same thoughts about a host family’s purpose.
I feel more comfortable with them than I ever would have imagined feeling in a host family, and I look forward to living with them for the next eight months. I will forever be grateful for their giving me a bed, a home, food, and love, and know we will definitely feel like a real family by the year’s end. 

Fainting in T.K. Maxx...

One of my least favorite things about Germany is its lack of thrift shops. In the US, I have easily gained ‘Professional Thrift Shopper’ status, and it is fairly disappointing that I can no longer use my fine-tuned skills. I can no longer get three sweaters, a pair of dress shoes, a suit jacket, five random animal knick-knacks, a holographic picture of Jesus, and a bow-tie, all for under twenty dollars. I can barely buy one piece of clothing for less than twenty Euros, and although I have been sucking it up for the sake of beautiful European fashion, I’ve been looking for alternative ways to shop.
While I was in Bonn this week, I stumbled upon a T.K. Maxx (Yes, T.K., not T.J.) and it was a beautiful experience. Although it can not compare to a Goodwill, I did find myself a bit faint while I wandered around the slightly reduced prices. As a result of my fragile state, I ended up walking out of the store with very few purchases, but it was relieving to know that there’s someplace in this country I can go for some shopping therapy, if I ever need it.  

A Friendly African Man

During the second week of my school vacation, I traveled across the country to live in Bonn with my host mother’s parents. When I travel, I have a habit of wandering. I don’t book many tours, or examine every building in order to find their historical importance. I simply walk in whatever direction looks the most interesting, go in old and new buildings alike, watch people as they go about their lives, and obviously photograph the entire journey. 
Within one of my first days in Bonn, a man walking past me stopped to ask about the location of a street he was looking for. Although I understood his German question, I obviously did not have the answer, and this, apparently, made him curious about me. He asked me where I was from, and my response lead to a very long conversation...
The man was a big supporter of the United States, despite its many flaws. He was a teacher from Uganda and had made many friends with American Peace Corps members stationed there. Through them, he became very convinced that almost all people from the United States are very kind and willing to take time out of their days to listen and interact with others, as I was doing with him. He was inspired by the US giving its citizens so many basic human rights, and was very grateful that many of his friends were able to immigrate their in an attempt to find a better life. We talked about current politics, the unique values that make up each part of our world, and which situation is most ideal. It’s not common that I like our government, but this man made me grateful for what my country stands for. There are many things that need to be changed, but many things that we’ve done right for a long time also.

Basketballspiel

Although sports are definitely prominent in Deutschland, I had no opportunities to attend any competitions for the first months of being here. Unlike in the US, there are no sports within schools. If people want to be athletic, they join clubs that are either non-competitive or are somewhat representative of the city. There are no rolling spaces behind each school that house fields for every sport imaginable, like is common in much of the US. As a result of these facts, there is less individual school pride and far less cheering than I am used to participating in.
Last week, however, I attended my first German sports competition. It was a basketball game, and one that was considered ‘professional’ by my friends. Based on what I was told, and by the performance of the teams, basketball is a fairly new sport here, or has only recently grown in popularity. The game took place in a gym similar to and smaller than the Bangor Auditorium, entrance cost seven Euros, and I’m sure that the average height of the men on the court could easily come out to about half of that of some US professional teams. The gameplay I witnessed was very similar to many of the high school basketball games I attended at home, and I think it made the experience even more enjoyable for me. I was able to understand all the calls that were being made, both good and bad, and knew when it was appropriate to yell at the top of my lungs.
Jena’s team ended up scoring over 100 points, and winning by over 40. It’s been a while since I’ve cheered with such enthusiasm, and it reminds me that encouraging others is something I’m meant to do. Even though I will always enjoy playing sports more than watching them, cheering at live games will also be something I enjoy. 

Living in a castle...

There are some things that you really just can’t do in the United States, and exploring castles is one of them. During the last two weeks of October, all schools within my German state have vacation. During the first week, I went on holiday with my host family to the tiny city of Augustusburg. The city starts at an altitude I assume is fairly average, but slopes up and up until it reaches Schloss Augustusburg or Castle Augustusburg.
There, on top of that little mountain, with its sizable castle, is where I lived for the week. Although there wasn’t much going on in the small city, I got to learn a lot about it’s history, ride a ‘summer sleigh’, look at beautiful rocks from across the world, and see an amazing bird show that included a very American bald eagle. 

Ich bin heute 27 Kilometers gelaufen...

Today, I ran a twenty-seven kilometer road/xc race up, around, and down a mountain. It sounds like something very random to do on a year abroad, especially when you are not in shape and have not trained at all, but that’s mostly because it is very random. My host-father runs long distances fairly frequently, and asked me if the run was something I wanted to do. The fifteen kilometer option sounded reasonable enough, so I said, “warum nicht?” ...why not, and when it turned out the twenty-seven kilometer race was the only one with spots left, I again said, “warum nicht?” According to my converter, twenty-seven kilometers is slightly less than 17 miles. Over four times longer than the Casco Days road race and with about the same percentage of up hill climbs...

Thoughts that crossed my mind during the race include, but are not limited to...

• “How do people even run up this 86 degree incline?!”
• “There are literally only old men for hundreds of people in front of me and behind me...”
• “I hope none of these old men fall, and I have to carry them down the mountain. Although, Senior Awareness has me a little prepared...”
• “Scheiße, it’s only been seven kilometers.”
• “Scheiße, it’s only been one kilometer since the last kilometer.”
• “Whoa, this is such an amazing view!”
• “People could fall off this narrow path and never be seen again...”
• “Oh, remembering to breath should probably be more of a priority than planning your blog post about this run...”
• “Downhills are so nice!”
• “Ich habe Hunger...”
• “It feels good to see that I have less distance left to run than I have run thus far.”
• “I still have two cross country races left...”
• “NO!” (to my legs many times during the last seven kilometers because they would not stop cramping up)
•  “I can’t believe I just ran that far...”

Now that it’s over, I feel great! Although my legs are a bit tired. I ran the race in three hours, which is not too bad for not training at all, and definitely fine with me since my goal was to reach the finish line. The race was something I never imagined doing, but it makes me sure that saying “wurum nicht?” to most things that get offered to me for the rest of my stay, and the rest of my life is a good way to go. Plus, if I hadn’t run, I never would have experienced having cake and beer with all the runners after we had finished.

Deutsch Haircut

Before leaving for Deutschland, for obvious reasons, I often got asked if I was nervous about anything to come. Even though I was going to be away from my family and friends for a year, in an unfamiliar culture and environment, I always responded that I was most nervous for my first haircut in Germany. The language barrier would make it very difficult to express the length and style I wanted my hair to have, and I feared coming out on the other side looking like a rat, crabgrass, Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree, a bit electrocuted, or a series of other unfavorable appearances...
When the time came however, I took it like a champ. Although I figured I would have to find a hairdresser, and give up having classic, home-cut hair like in the US, one of my friends at school offered up her sisters skills and I was happy to accept. One day after school, we simply walked to her house, waited for her sister to get home from work, set a chair up in the hallway, and went to town. It was quick, easy, and I came out looking pretty good in the end. Not the same as Mumma’s haircuts, but pretty close!

The first month...

I have officially lived in Deutschland for over a month now. 

The feeling of success and happiness that reaches me each day is overwhelming. 

I have 100+ new friends on Facebook and have taken 1758 photos. 

Clubbing is fun.

I’m never going to change who I am. 

I am so very thankful for each moment I spend here.

Getting back in shape is just as hard in German as it is in English. 

... but track and field is always a good way to make friends. 

Getting homemade things and letters from home can make the happiest guy even more happy. 

I will be loved. 

Photography is my most powerful form of memory and communication. 

Night bike rides around the city are the best for practicing the singing of Disney songs. 

Getting a haircut isn’t always as easy as asking your mother for one, especially when a language barrier is involved. 

I love being happy. 

My limbo skills are internationally impressive. 

My journey will never end, now that it has begun.

I will make a global impact someday. 

So many good things can happen to you if you go out and grab life by the horns. I never want to stop meeting new people, discovering new cultures, listening to music, expressing myself, and being me. I’m incapable of describing in words my memories and overall experience thus far. Too much has happened for that, but luckily I’ll always have the photos to remind me to be proud of myself. 

McDonalds, Mayonnaise, and Grilled Meat

“Ich liebe alles Essen” has become the phrase that leaves my mouth most often, and I definitely keep true to my word. Each day, I successful eat quite a bit more than the average German. I eat, and eat, and eat, and discover new food, and eat some more. Although I hope it hasn’t taken a toll on my physique, food will forever be my favorite part of any culture, Germany’s being no exception. Their meats, cheeses, and salty/vinegary dishes are of high almost all of the time, and their bread is different, but still good. I will never be unhappy with the food here, but yesterday I got a little taste of America that was very satisfying after almost four weeks away. After the concert, my friends and I went to McDonalds, where I ate a couple good-old, American-tasting, fast-food cheeseburgers. Upon coming home there was both mayo and grilled meat (which really tastes like home home) available, and my stomach was very pleased. I don’t necessarily miss it, but it’s good to be reminded of home once in a while, especially if those reminders involve food.

Two concerts in four weeks...

After attending my first concert, Imagine Dragons, in Boston this summer, I made the executive decision to put ‘see a concert’ on my list of priorities for my year in Deutschland. Although it would not be as important as becoming fluent in the language and becoming assimilated into my school and community, I thought it would be an enjoyable way to see another side of the country’s culture. 
Within my first two weeks of living here, I was invited to a concert by my new friends and I knew it was meant to be. The band was a small, local one, but very talented. As it poured rain, my friends and I sang and danced to some of the most classic American songs I would ever be able to come up with. Germans love American music, and classic rock was definitely a good choice for that night. 

I attended my second concert during my fourth week here. It was Nationalfeiertag (German independence day) and the whole country had the day off from school and work. Before going to the concert I had looked up the band. Carpe Noctem seemed a little bit too heavy for my liking, but I went anyway, assuming that time with friends is always nice. Today, I can easily say that I have no regrets about going. Although they definitely played heavy music, they accompanied the traditional drums and electric guitar with a violin and two cellos to make rather fascinating music. I always enjoy good music, no matter what genre, and unique twists are welcome at anytime. Plus, I don’t think I’ll ever see another band with such great stage presence. The members of Carpe Noctem have a true passion for what they do and it was clear to everyone in the audience. 

It’s good to be in a lively university city!

A bike ride away

It delights me that everything I want or need is just a bike ride away here. Last weekend, one of my little sisters asked me if I wanted to go with her to feed carrots to horses at the place where she rides. I wasn't doing much and figured I mine as well learn how to get to another local place. I assumed we would walk the short distance to the stables, like I had walked almost everywhere else during my time here, but she asked if we could ride bikes instead. Although I hadn't successfully ridden a bike in quite some time, and had never done so in a busy, city setting, I agreed to try. I accomplished that first German bike ride without any problems, despite my slight hesitation, and have made many more journeys by bike in the past week.
In Maine, it would an extreme workout to get to a store, or a bank, or school by bike, but here, it's just normal. Everyone rides bikes from place to place, and, although it still feels a little like exercise, it's extremely enjoyable! It's relaxing to continuously pedal along, and it's fun to watch everyone else whiz by. (I'm always glad to find new forms of people watching). I'm not sure if I'm currently taking the most efficient paths from one place to another, but learning is all part of the experience. Biking will definitely be a main source of transportation for the rest of my time here, and I'm sure it can continue when I come back to Boston for college.

Go on a walk, and find a castle

Today after school, I decided it would be nice to go on a walk and explore my area of Jena a bit. Although I have only been here for less than two weeks, I have been thinking it would be fun to walk around by myself for a while now. It's important for me to know the area well so I can get from place to place easily in the future, and so I can discover more and more activities that I enjoy doing. I decided my walk could take a couple of hours, so I would be back before dinner, but put no restrictions on where I would go.
To start, I walked down roads near my house where I had not been before. It's always nice to look at German architecture, and see how unique each house can become within that spectrum. These roads soon met up with ones I had taken before with friends, and I was happy to re-walk and solidify the route in my mind. Along the way, as is probably expected, I was constantly snapping photos. One of these pictures was of a sign at a place that seemed like it had to do with sports. I took it so that I could remember what it said and ask friends at school to translate it for me. As I turned to walk away, a German boy that I hadn't see before started talking to me. All I was able to pick up out of what he said was the fact that he wanted to know about the picture I had just taken, so I had to tell him "mein Deutsch is nicht so gut." He responded with, "entschuldigung...sorry," and walked into the place with the mystery sign. Although it was not a productive conversation, it makes me look forward to when I'll have the ability to talk and understand German...
The slightly familiar path led to a different part of the city that had I mini-mall. I walked around inside, but did not find much except places I might eat at soon, so I headed back in the direction of home. Next, I took a road past my school. [Note-My school is on the edge of the city so not much seems to be "past" it except for trees.] As I walked on, the road started to go up, and up, and up some more. I was not really prepared for a mountainous hike, but my curiosity was stronger than my need for proper footwear. I am unable to accurately say how long the trek up that mountain was, or even express how long it felt, but it's safe to assume people don't just wander up it often. At the top, my slightly out of shape self was a bit tired, but damn happy to find a ruined castle and a view that only pictures can capture...

You know you're doing something right when you go on a walk and find a view like this, a castle, and a rainbow!

My first week in Deutsch schule

This week at school, I was primarily with two groups of people...

The first, was grade thirteen, or form thirteen as it's called here. This form is made up of peers who are around my age and at the same step in life as I am. They are each preparing to take their Abitur, so that they can continue on with university and do as they please in the world. This test is hard, making the lessons they learn very difficult and forcing them to spend much time in school and on schoolwork. They each have much to focus on within their own lives, but have made sure to be very kind to me as well. I am thankful for every one of them and their willingness to open up to me and be my friend. Each day, I sit through lessons that I don't understand a single word of, but the students around me make sure to explain whatever I ask about. During breaks, they help me learn vocabulary step by step, so someday I may be able to be as active in class as they are. They have already begun to invite me to any activities they do outside of class and will soon have me fully immersed in German teen culture. I am excited for my year with them, and am sure many of the memories we make will last a lifetime.

The second group of people is made up of the students in form one. At ages five through seven they obviously have much lower maturity and a more simple purpose than I do, but their German is at a much higher level than mine is. Although they seemed intimidated by me at first, they have quickly warmed up to the idea that it is nice of them to help me learn their language. Today, as I was sitting in a small chair, at a small desk, surrounded by small people, two boys made sure to check on me frequently, and make sure I wasn't having any trouble translating an activity book they could have done years ago. They asked me many questions about things I like and where I come from, and were patient with me when I needed to use a dictionary or the teacher's help to answer them. It was nice to have my first German conversation, even if it was very broken and with seven year olds, and I hope they remember me in a way that will keep their little minds open to the world forever.

A long journey to begin the journey...

Hallo from Deutschland! 

The journey here has been long and tiring. It started with a border-line "red-eye" flight into Washington D.C., followed by a four day AFS/CBYX orientation, during which I participated in all-day meetings and preparation sessions, and got little sleep each night as a result of excitement. Then, I had an all night flight into Frankfurt, where I also got no sleep, followed by a long day waiting in the airport for my train to take me all the way across Germany to Jena, where I am the only AFS student, and have a family full of very energetic children.
Although I am very exhausted, my trip has given me many hints that this year is going to be wonderful. On my flight into D.C., I was next to the only empty seat on the entire plane, starting my journey with comfort. Then, the shuttle driver from the first airport to my hotel was very jolly and informative, with much advice that I won't soon forget, and can only assume he wants me to use on women. I was also very glad to get to see parts of the US capital city for the first time. The Capitol building was stunning, and my tour guide spilled out great information, both new and old. Along the way I also met some of the most open-minded, well informed, adventurous students from across the United States and the world. I know I will keep in touch with many of my fellow CBYXers for years into the future. They help me feel confident in what I can do within this year, and I am glad I met every single one of them. We made great memories, and now we will make the world a better place by spreading information and friendship globally.
Now, I am getting settled in with my host family. They are very kind people who have been much help. The children, ages 3, 5, and 7, have begun to teach me the first of my German vocabulary including...

• Schneckengehäuse - Snail Shell
• Stift - Pen
• einen Hosen - Pants
• in de Mitte - in the middle
• eine Kette - Necklace
• Nudeln - Noodles
• and much, much more...

And the adults have helped me feel comfortable with the area, and the culture differences I see each minute.
Although I'm nervous for my first day of school tomorrow, I know I will do fine. As my German improves and I begin to make friends everything will get easier. It's all up hill from here and I'm already pretty high! I'm ready to learn about a new culture, a new language, and a new me!
Guten Nacht!

Less than a week...

I leave for my exchange year in Germany in less than a week. Today, while working my twelfth session in a row, the day at Camp Sunshine felt fairly normal, with just a bit of extra Spanish. I took elements out and set ropes up. I mingled with amazing adults, teenagers, children, and volunteers who inspire me to help people for the rest of my life, and who I inspire to climb high and work together in teams. And, at the end of the day, I put everything away for another night. While doing everything included in the average day of a Challenge Course Facilitator, thoughts were bouncing around in the back of my mind that made my day a little bit different...
I was being sure to clean out sheds and wipe down equipment so that everything would be neat for the off-season, and ready to use again next summer. I consciously decided to leave directly after I finished work on parents' dinner night, instead of volunteering with the teens, so I could spend a little more time with my family before my sister left for school. I caught myself mentally juggling my possessions and their importance to me, debating whether everything 'important' could fit in a fourty-four pound suitcase. I even wondered if everything I need, but still haven't gotten, is available at the local Walmart.
I put extra thought and preparation into everything I did because my journey is finally becoming real to me. I know I'm leaving Maine in a few days, and not coming back for ten months. I know I won't see my family and friends, or be able to be at the camp I am addicted to. I know that I will miss some things, and be missed by some people, but, most importantly, I know I can do it. I know I am going to learn lessons from every person I come across, and reach my highest of goals. I know I will make friends and connections to last a lifetime. I know my experience will be amazing and will go by too fast. And I am ready for anything.

Making dreams into realities

I have wanted to be an exchange student since my freshman year of high school. Back then, the idea of going abroad was intangible and seemingly impossible. It would cost too much to be hosted by an organization, and competition for a large enough scholarship seemed too fierce for me to come out on top. Even the first steps in such a process seemed "far" into the future, and I was unsure if my patience and interest would last.
Looking back today, it is easy to see that I have had the same dream painted in my mind for over four years. A dream of getting on a plane with other young, global thinkers, in order to live completely imerssed in a place with different culture, food, and people for an entire year. A place with open-minded thinkers, who would become my first global-ties and my best of friends. This dream has always lifted me up from the inside and made me feel whole. It has given me hope that I could escape the place I have always been, and begin exploring a world of endless possibilities...
Since I have always been aware of the fact that I would need to be awarded a very large scholarship in order to make this dream a reality, I began research very early in high school to figure out funding. In the end, I applied for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Scholarship, a full, government scholarship to study abroad in Germany. The application process for CBYX was longer and more extensive than any of the college applications I completed. It involved more steps, with more paperwork, more signatures, examinations, recommendations, writing prompts, and time spent scanning at my school's librarian's assistant's desk than anything else I have attempted to receive. Throughout the entire ordeal, as well as through the interview that I never imagined being selected for, I responded to people asking about my future with my college options, wrapped up with a quick "I also applied for a scholarship to go to Germany, so we'll see..." All aspects of going abroad have been floating free in my dreams for such a long time. Nothing has been real, substantial, or solid.
Now, I have planned my trip to D.C., know the exact schedule for my three day orientation, have been told the details of my flight from D.C. to Germany, and know which family I will be staying with for my ten months away. Every specific detail makes me proud of all the work I have done to gain this opportunity. I know where I am headed, and nothing can stop me. The experience has not quite begun yet, but twenty-nine days isn't that substantial in the grand scheme of things. I can't wait to live my dream, and continue achieving my crazy-large goals for the entirety of my life.