It’s strange to look back and see how much my life has changed in just the last few months. Studying abroad was just an idea being tossed around–I’d always wanted to but I hadn’t actually started the application process. Now I’m going to Romania for my junior year! It’s really exciting (and maybe a little bit scary) to think that I’m actually leaving at the end of the summer to go somewhere I’ve never been all alone.
I won’t be totally alone, of course. I’m going with Rotary, which is an amazing program. Maybe you know this and maybe you don’t, but Rotary Youth Exchange students wear blazers that are different colors depending on where they come from. The blazers, throughout the year, get decorated by pins. When you wear the blazers it’s like a symbol of where you came from and they also make you really recognizable to other students and Rotary members. So, theoretically, if I am ever lost in an airport with the blazer on I will draw Rotary members toward me like magnets. That’s the general idea, as I understand it. Also it’s really cool to collect pins from people all over the world to remember them by. I really like that idea.
As the days go by, I just keep getting more and more excited about leaving. I’m working on a packing list, my presentations, getting some sort of grasp on the language–it’s fun but I am always busy with something. Not that it’s a bad thing, I like being occupied. This will all be a little easier when school is over here and I can just focus on getting my presentations ready and learning how to communicate somewhat in Romanian.
The more time that goes by, the more excited I am to go and the less prepared I feel. I think that’s just nerves though, because there’s so much to do and so little time.
Anyways, I’ll keep you updated. Until next time~
ryleeinromania 