A week ago today I began my official send-off for the next big thing: joining the Peace Corps. I am writing this soon after everything wrapped up, so it is all fresh in my mind. As this is being posted, however, I am meeting the people who will likely become some of the most important people I have ever met. That of course is not to say the people in my life aren’t also the most important people I have ever met, as the Girl Scout song goes, “make new friends, but keep the old.” These new people are just some of the ones that I will be spending the next two years of my life with.
The past few days were filled with parties and well wishes thrown by my friends and family. On Saturday night, my Girl Scout Troop, my partners in crime, some of the most amazing women I have ever met, and some of the people I will miss more than I can say were absolutely wonderful, throwing me a goodbye bash I will never forget. Simple and understated- just how I like it- but with people who mean the world to me, great conversation, and no judgments as I silently broke into tears now and again. Some of my friends from school were able to make it up, and some friends that I hadn’t seen in a long time came to say farewell. Like a dummy, I completely forgot to take pictures of the night, but I know that night will always be in my memory, just like the people who came.
Hannah and Molly- I am so grateful to you both for being great friends and planning such a wonderful party- I am so lucky to have you in my life. To the rest of my amazing Girl Scouts also. I don’t know what I would do without you guys. I know that things haven’t always been smooth sailing for us, but these past few years mean more to me than you will ever know. You all I know will be here when I get back, and be true lifelong friends- actual best friends forever. Also, if any of you get married while I am gone i will literally never forgive you.
Longwood friends. Wow- I never thought that going to school would lead me to some of you. Everyone who made it up last weekend, I am so lucky to have you in my life. Roommates, good friends, and brothers- you all have made my life better in so many ways. I want to write something on here about each of you because you literally have made the last four years totally unforgettable. I am going to miss you all so much from late night talks, to movie nights (or in some cases watching our favorite Youtuber nights), to getting onstage, to 2 AM study sessions, to just being together. Everything is going to change from here on out, but I have confidence in knowing that the bonds we made are forever.
Sunday was full of family and friends as well with a brunch extravaganza! My amazing mom threw a wonderful brunch party complete with mimosas, french toast, mac and cheese, and my grandma’s famous meatballs! Plus amazing cookies made and decorated entirely by MaryAnn(with some help from Lori). These Africa (or perhaps Australia depending on who you ask) cookies were decorated with the Tanzanian Flag- the country where my journey begins marked with a sugary star. So many old friends came to see me off and wish me well with gifts- which I really appreciate- and more importantly, sweet cards with words of encouragement that I will certainly try to find a way to take with me.
My mom gave such wonderful words during her speech that will stay with me forever. My parents have believed in me through everything- even when I didn’t believe in myself. They knew what I was capable of even if I did not. My grandparents have also been such a powerful force in my life- always there for me to call and to talk to. We can talk about anything- solve all the problems in the world. Well now I get to go out and solve these problems for real now, grandma! I will miss you all so much, but it’s only a few years, and I know you’re not going anywhere.
Nick, we missed you at the party- totally your scene (Ha!). Even if you weren’t there, you’re my little brother and I love you more than you know even if I stink at showing it sometimes. I can’t wait until I get back and can play some cool videogames with you again. Maybe I’ll even be able to beat you in smash!
Ok. Enough of the sappiness. The next two years are going to fly by. I am going to have cool experiences that I can share with all of you right here. See you all in two years! Try not to miss me too much while I’m gone!
BioAbroad 