Mandy: How Lucky Am I?

Hello everyone!
Welcome to the blog of 3 friends who have conquered significant change, 2 years of college, drama (literally- we do theater), classes, and who love each other more than words could ever say. But I suppose that's what this blog is all about- words to continue our lives, words to express our love, and words to express our experiences without each other.

I am going to King's College, London this semester. I don't leave until September 13th, and until then I am enjoying home in the Sunshine State. My goal is to spend time with family, read, and reflect on an overwhelming, yet incredible year and summer in DC. My Aunt Margie always says that it is important to reflect and absorb what you have experienced before you move onto the next chapter, because if not, what will you have learned? - So that's my plan, to reflect while on the beach.

I can truly never express how thankful I am for Marissa and Alex and the adventures we've had together in the past 2 years. Marissa has already begun her new semester and Alex starts on her journey tomorrow. But in 14 days, I'll catch up and have my own adventure to record. Until then, I send love and prayers to my partners in crime.

So here's to our song of the summer - all the times we got ready to this song, were cheered up by this song, and just plain danced to this song: 

Alex: Ready to Run

The first thing you probably need to know is that I am the one who forced Mandy & Marissa to blog with me. 

I did this for one of three reasons:
1.  I'm not an interesting enough person to blog about myself.
2. It's an easy and convenient way for us to all keep in touch with each other & with our friends and family.
3. I do have hopes of one day getting a book deal out of it, but I'm not gonna try to predict anything.

Mandy, Marissa & I have been roommates since day 1 of undergrad. There is no doubt in my mind that we communicate with each other everyday and they know things about me that I don't know even know. It's going to be hard not to have that immediate contact with them whenever I want (mainly need). I'm used to sending one of them a text and being able to see them within the next hour. Of course, maybe 4 months apart will teach me how to be more independent and appreciate their company even more. So that is what I am most looking forward to.

I am going to Amsterdam, Netherlands from September 2nd- December 22nd. I am doing a SIT program- International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender. After the first week of orientation, I will move into a home stay for the remainder of the program. I am actually relieved to be staying in a home stay because this is my first time overseas period.  I don't really know "thrown-in-another-country-Alex". I went to Tijuana when I was little, but people assumed I was a Mexican child and went to Canada a few weeks ago, but was basically in Northern New York, so I can't predict how I will react to a new culture, new language, etc. I'm trying not to assume anything of myself though because I may do great and I may fail. That's what blogging is for. So, I can really write down and track my demise (and so can my friends and family!). The program also includes a two week excursion to Morocco. I've been studying Arabic and Arab studies for the last two years and I am more than excited to have the opportunity to finally use what I have tortured myself over.

The one thing you need to know as I set off on my blogging journey with my closest friends is that I am really ready to go. Some people are sad to spend a semester away from everyone they know and love, but I see it as a completely growing experience. While I will miss everyone, I feel comfortable enough at home to be able to try something new and know it'll all be waiting for me when I get back. Four months of queer studies is waiting for me and I am ready to immerse myself in it 100%. I can not be more ready to run.