Ready for the Next Chapter

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Marlen

Graduation!! That came out of no where.

I cannot believe I just graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor’s degree this past weekend. It was so refreshing getting to graduate with all my friends, and having my family there to support me. It will definitely one of the best and most memorable days of my life, and I am not saying that just because I graduated, but because it is the beginning of my next chapter, and because I may have tripped on my way to my seat at the beginning of the ceremony. I guess it is nice that even though I walked across the podium to receive my diploma a different person, I still got a little of my clumsy, childish personality that keeps me being me.

I am so blessed for all the opportunities I have had as well as for my experiences throughout my college years, my internship, and my life thus far.

Class of 2014

My two younger brothers and I

My lovely parents

It is amazing, how fast time passes by, I cannot emphasize that enough. It feels like just yesterday, my parents were dropping off, a nervous, insecure, scared, Marlen at Western Oregon University’s campus four years ago. Now, I am a completely different. I am in awe, looking back and seeing how much I have grown and changed over those years. I feel so ready for my next path, my next chapter.

Pre-Departure for Queretaro!

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Hannah Meador

Hello!

My name is Hannah Meador and I will be going to Queretaro, Mexico for five weeks this summer. I leave next week and I am getting excited for my first trip outside of the United States!

When it comes to my host culture, I am expecting it to be more traditional than what I am used to in the U.S. For example, I am expecting that traditions, such as gender roles, like women doing most of the cooking and housework, will be more prevalent in Mexico than in the U.S. I also know that both family and extended families are important in Mexico. The importance of extended families living together is not emphasized in the United States, so there might be a difference of family roles in Mexico.

I think that I will interact well with my host culture, just as long as I am patient and polite. I need to remember to be open minded and willing to accept cultural differences that I will experience. I also need to keep my sense of humor handy and be able to make mistakes with grace.

Right now, I am a mixture of both excitement and nervousness for my trip. I am both excited and nervous because this is my first trip out of the country. I am also nervous that my Spanish won’t be as a good as I believe it to be, but I am sure that if I relax and pay attention, the language will come to me. Overall, I am excited to go to Mexico and experience a new culture, food, and make new friends!

Heart of the Renaissance: Arrival

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Ariel Warnock

They say most people go through specific phases when living abroad. They begin with the honeymoon phase, where they are in awe and excited and happy about everything they see. Then they move to the culture shock phase, where they have difficulty adjusting to a new culture and miss home. It did not go this way for me, so be prepared that it might not for you either. For me, it was the opposite. My arrival into Italy was accompanied by culture shock and it took several days for me to feel like I appreciated Italy at all. This was in large part, however, because I arrived in Italy very sick.

My arrival into Italy was not the most pleasant. Having suffered some major motion sickness on the 3 different flights over, I was not feeling well at all by the time I reached the airport in Rome. The airport was crowded and disorienting (it didn’t help that I wasn’t feeling well), but I was able to make my way to the baggage claim area and then the taxi area just fine. My first job was to get myself a taxi to take me to my apartment, which was easy since there were several parked right outside. The taxi driver loaded my bags into the car and I got in. This is when I experienced my first bit of culture shock.

I had imagined (from scenes I had seen in movies mostly) that Italians drove a bit fast and carelessly, but I was definitely not prepared for this taxi ride! Not only did the taxi driver drive incredibly fast, but he merged in and out of traffic in a way that told me there were no rules on Italian roads. He never waited for pedestrians to cross the street; instead he zoomed by, missing them by inches. If a car stopped in front of him because of traffic, he didn’t wait, he just honked his horn and went around, somehow getting past them in the narrow space available. All the swerving and fast driving only made me feel more sick, and I feared I might puke in the back seat. I tried to ask the taxi driver if we were close to our destination, but he only spoke a little English and all he could tell me was “not close.” I had to endure the ride longer, but I didn’t know how much more I could handle.

Had I not been so sick, I imagine I would’ve felt a little better about the situation. I did find it a little amusing the way he drove, knowing that in many countries the driving is similar, but it was also definitely shocking. I imagined this kind of driving in Asian countries mostly, not a European country like Italy. However, when I’m sick it’s difficult for me to see anything in a positive light.

From the car window I saw scenes of the city passing by. Sickness was suddenly joined by a feeling of fear and anxiety as I saw the neighborhood we were passing through. Graffiti plastered on what seemed like every inch of space (something I’m not accustomed to in my hometown), I did not feel like I was in a safe environment. The neighborhood looked dirty and beaten down. I worried maybe the extensive graffiti meant gangs ran wild here. I hoped this was not the neighborhood I was staying in while in Italy… It was.

I finally reached my destination, paid my taxi driver, and was met by someone from my study abroad program. He walked me to my apartment and chatted cheerfully with me. Feeling even more sick now, I told him I just wanted to lie down and sleep for a while when I got to my room. We got to the front door of my apartment building and I felt as if things had just gotten worse. A shabby, little door covered in multi-colored graffiti, it led through a dark hallway to a tiny, unimpressive apartment. Admittedly, I had expected something a bit grander, newer, so I was both surprised and disappointed. However, my upset stomach was my biggest problem at the moment and I laid down for the rest of the night.

I think it’s safe to say that my first day in Rome was not ideal, but I also know a large part of that had to do with me being sick. When I’m not feeling well, everything else seems much worse than it actually is. But I was finally met with that honeymoon phase I was promised. It took a couple days to adjust to things, but my experiences definitely got better as the days of the first week passed by. I was starting to fall in love with the graffiti-ridden, dirty, yet beautiful city that is Rome.

Here are some pictures I took on my taxi ride over… (I only took a couple since I was feeling so sick)….

Finally Made it to Scotland: My Arrival

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Natalie Wallace

Hey there everybody, after nearly 17 hours of traveling, practically no sleep, and a lot of hanging around in airports, I have finally made it to the University of Stirling in Scotland. I flew from PDX to Calgary, then to London, and finally to Edinburgh. On my flight from Calgary to London, I didn’t sleep much because there were two crying, unhappy children sitting in the row in front of me. Oh well, I found other ways to pass the time (I almost finished the book I brought with me).

A farewell to Portland as I get ready to board my plane to Canada.

Nearly to London!

As I said before, my flights were all on time and I had no complications getting to and from different terminals. I flew into Edinburgh, where I would meet a shuttle to take me to the University. My shuttle driver’s name was Hamish (how much more Scottish can you get), he was super nice and pointed out all kinds of things on our 45 minute drive to Stirling. After saying goodbye to Hamish, I was given the keys to my flat, which I share with four other girls for my eight weeks here. No one was there when I got there because everyone was on a day tour of Stirling, which I sadly missed because of previous engagements at WOU.

My view of the Wallace Monument from my flat.

Since then, I have unpacked and met all of my flatmates. I have found out that some Scottish accents are a lot harder to understand than others, I have had to ask people to repeat things so many times, which can be a bit embarrassing. Today was my first day of classes and was a bit overwhelming for me. I had missed registration and a lot of the information at orientation, but luckily one of the program coordinators helped me out and now I know what’s going on. I also went to the store with one of my roommates to pick up some food supplies. Other than that, I am still settling in and figuring out just what I am going to do and where I want to go with the rest of my time here in Stirling. Even though it is a bit stressful now, I know everything will work out fine in the end!

Natalie

Arrival

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Bridget Rayburn

After missing a connecting flight in Calgary, Canada, I was left to wait in the airport in Calgary for six hours. After a few tears, some phone calls, a free burger, and a drink I was more determined than ever to get to London. Although it took much longer than expected, I finally made it to Heathrow Airport in London at 10:00 pm (I was supposed to arrive at 10:00 am) on Saturday, June 14.

After clearing customs and showing my University of Westminster acceptance letter, I got my bag and was left to find a taxi. The “black cabs” here in London are very pricy so an airport worker gave me a number to call to get a discount taxi service to come get me. As I wandered around trying to find the place where I was instructed to wait, I was getting nervous. I just wanted to get to my flat.

It seemed like everyone at the airport knew exactly what they were doing and where to do. To say that I felt lost would be an understatement! Finally I saw a man coming towards me with a sign that said “Bridget Rayburn”. I don’t think I have ever been more excited to see anyone in my life! After a long taxi ride into the city, I arrived at my flat and was greeted by security and my flatmates. After traveling for more than 24 hours and successfully making it to my flat all by my self, I felt like I could conquer the world!!

Here is a picture of the sun rising as I was on my way to London.

Waiting with my things (for what seemed like forever)!

Free food courtesy of Air Canada for messing up my travel plans!

“Everything you desire is always just outside your comfort zone” – Chris Murray

Bridget

Pre-Departure: One Day to Go

Posted on June 13, 2014 by Natalie Wallace

So I have less than 24 hours left until I leave for Scotland. After taking my last two finals, and finishing all of my RA check-out duties, it’s finally hitting me that I am going to Scotland! I am so excited to live and experience the culture and people. I’m surprisingly not that nervous about it, which is surprising sense I tend to worry about everything. The closer and closer I get to leaving, the more and more sure I am that I made the right choice in going to Scotland. If you ask my parents, they will say I chose Scotland because I am determined to find Hogwarts. While I would be lying if I said that wasn’t totally true, I really chose Scotland because of the rich culture and the ancestral ties I have there.

I will be at the University of Stirling for the next eight weeks and I couldn’t be more excited. I know that I will be exhausted and tired from all of the traveling, but I can’t wait to see and do everything over there, I have a huge list of things that I want to see and do. Hopefully I will get some sleep tonight so I can start off my journey on the right foot. I’ve included some pictures that I think best represent my preconceived notions and ideas of Scotland (I know that Scotland is more than highlands and castles), because I think it is important to log every step of my journey, both physically and personally. So until next time (when I will finally be in Scotland) then!

Natalie

Arrival

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Marlen

On my flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Houston, Texas I could not fall asleep from all the nerves and excitement I had of knowing that I would soon be able to see my family and friends. From my flight from Houston, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada it all hit me “I am going home.” I could not keep still; I was all shaky and antsy. Then once I got on my last flight from Las Vegas, Nevada to Portland, Oregon all I could think to myself is, “Could this plane fly any faster.” After, the longest flight ever finally I arrived. I was all full of so many emotions that I could not contain myself, especially when I saw my father and mother waiting out for me, I ran right towards them giving them a great big hug. After a few hours of waiting for my lost luggage, I went back to my hometown where I saw other, my two little brothers, who by the way are not so little and other family members.

A picture I took as I was flying over Oregon.

To be completely honest it has felt weird coming back, its as if time had stopped. It almost feels like I never left. However, I still feel like I have to readjust especially when I have all these things going through my head and having so many emotions that I do not know how to express.

It is all coming at me, all at once, coming back, finals week, and graduation. I am just lucky enough to have the right people surrounding me who have and continue to support me that will make my transition back much easier.

Saying Goodbye

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Marlen

“Really, is this my last week in Argentina,” I asked myself, at the beginning of my last week.

I felt like my time in Argentina went by too fast. I was just getting to feel like I really belonged. I am one lucky individual to be able to take so much back home, new knowledge, skills, memories, experiences, and of course new friendships. I have been so blessed to be given the opportunity to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina where I never thought I could say, “I discovered myself.” It really is amazing how much you can change in 72 days, I know I have came home as a new person ready to face the world.

Knowing that this was my last week all I wanted was time to slow down, but of course it did just the opposite. I had so much to do in so little time, finish up my internship, finish up last minute projects, spend time with my friends, say my goodbyes, and pack. I felt so rushed.

My first few days I got to help out my BAC coordinator with some work, and volunteered to create a video for her. The rest of my week I got to spend some quality time with my friends and say my goodbyes. My last day, Friday I thanked my internship supervisor, said goodbye to some of the lovely workers I got to be around, and receive my certificate. Then in the afternoon my BAC coordinator organized a goodbye party where I got to enjoy the company of some friends with some delicious food. I got to admit it was very difficult. I really shed some tears just knowing that the next day I was leaving.

Some of the lovely people I got to work with in my internship.

Some of the amazing people that had joined me in my farewell dinner on Friday.

Some of the delicious food that my friends and I got to eat during my farewell dinner.

Saturday, I could not believe my time in Argentina was up . I woke up full of all kinds of emotions, all I wanted was time to stop, but of course it continued. So, I ate breakfast with the company of my friend from Switzerland, bought some last minute things, got ready, made sure I had everything, thanked everyone from the BAC residence, then spent my last hours with my BAC coordinator, her mother who has become like family, my friend from Switzerland, and another friend from the BAC residence.

As time got closer to my departure. I got more anxious and nervous, then once it was time, I could not believe my time was over. I said my goodbyes, which I dreaded. Then, off I went in the taxi to the airport with the lovely company of two of my friends who had been with me in my last hours in Argentina.

As we arrived to the airport and got all checked in, my friends joined me on my last meal in Argentina by eating some typical American food McDonalds, while sharing some laughs. Then next thing I knew, it was time, they walked me to security and said goodbye. I got to say my last hours are unforgettable!!

My two wonderful friends, who kept me company my last hours in Argentina and who were willing to take me to the airport.

My two wonderful friends, who kept me company on my last hours in Argentina and who were willing to take me to the airport.

Now, even though I did not get the chance to spend time with everyone or even say goodbye I will always take them with me.

Is it really time to go?

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Eli Cox

“Yeah I will be coming home next Sunday afternoon at 2.” I said to my parents during a weekly Skype call. Then as I fell asleep at night it started to hit me, in less than a week and a half I would be going home. It hadn’t really been almost three months had it?? It’s true, time flies when you are traveling alone and exploring the world, and the final days in Ecuador were no different. While there was a big part of me that was excited to return home and see my family and friends, there was an equally big part of me that would have been just fine staying in Latacunga with the kids. I hoped that the final days would pass by slowly so I could soak it all in, but of course time did not change its pace just for me. I did manage to fit about as much in as humanly possible and was fortunate to retrace my steps and see many friends I had met during the past three months.

It all started with a bus ride back to Quito where I met my host sisters for a trip to the beach! Their Uncle had told us he had a house in Manta we could stay in for free and insisted we take a trip there. I was conflicted because while I wanted to be gracious to the family and see everyone, I had really come into my element in Latacunga with the kids and staff. A day spent taking care of them was more special than laying on a beach. Ultimately, I decided to take the opportunity to see the coast and rest for a few days in order to process some of my thoughts. Again I thought we were headed for a small town on the coast, when in reality Manta was the third largest city in Ecuador. It was the first time I had seen a beach with thousands of people and I felt like I was in a movie. The air was humid, the smell was tropical, and the bus ride to get there was a full semi-sleepless night. We spent three carefree days in Manta, traveled to secluded beaches, and ate some delicious seafood! It was great to see my sisters but I was excited to stroll back through the gates of the Latacunga home.

It’s safe to say these shoes got a workout during the past 3 months

My final days at the orphanage included many dance parties with the children upstairs, an epic three hour walk with the kids, watching Maycol be reunited with his family, holding a one day old baby in my arms, visiting Elizabeth’s flower farm, and witnessing a Volcano erupt. So much happened and it was all so special but every time I try to put it into words, I can’t seem to do it justice. This experience abroad truly has changed me and offered me sights I never even imagined last year when I was thinking about interning abroad. Amazing how fast your life can change and how people you met only a month ago now feel like family. As well it has been very cool to intern at three different locations that forced me to build up respect and trust with my co-workers every time. The first week in Latacunga I was hardly trusted to feed a baby (even after I had been doing it for a month in Quito) yet I didn’t let this fact bother me and knew respect has to be earned. By the time I left I was handed crying babies all the time. It was oddly fitting that my last night at the home would bring about Estrellita (Little star) a baby who was born less than 24 hours ago. The Tia’s handed her to me all swaddled up in a blanket and I truly couldn’t believe how small she was. The day I was leaving that part of the world, she was just coming into it. That same night as well also featured Mt. Tunguragua erupting about 40 miles South. It made for a spectacular image and no one was hurt. Apparently this is a pretty normal occurrence and its normally just harmless ash.

Active Volcano… aint no thang

My final morning I finished packing my clothes and cleaning my space when I realized I hadn’t given the children any warning that I would be leaving. The Tia’s all knew, but I hadn’t told the kids… Every time I went to town to buy food they would ask if I was leaving for good and I always reassured them I would be coming right back. Maybe I had been so unready to say goodbye to them that I just blocked it from my mind. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t very happy with myself. I decided I would be a little late to Quito and took a few extra moments to talk with the kids. The Tia’s woke Jose Luis up from his nap so I could say goodbye to him… I had gotten so used to seeing his little face every morning running towards me for a high five that I hadn’t truly imagined what it would be like the next morning when I didn’t see him. We went in his room and he was already sitting up in his bed smiling at me, I went over and told him a few words and let a few tears go but it was still a happy time. I don’t know how much he understood but I hope he knows I will be back to see him one day. I did the same for my loves downstairs and let myself out of the gate. I walked down the empty road through fields and tree’s to the bus stop about a mile away with my roll bag behind and my backpack loaded. Another moment where I felt like I was in a movie, one of adventure, good times, lonely times, and the most interesting people. I felt different as I stepped onto the bus and sat down, I was truly torn between home and the place I had come to love but knew in a day’s time I would be waking up in my own bed. As the bus started up a rare English song came on the radio, one by Imagine Dragons called, “Its time”. If that’s not a sign then I don’t know what it.

Wilma, Jofre, and Daniela post movie time/not ready to go to bed

One More Week!!

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Marlen

It really is true when people say time flies when you are having fun. Throughout my internship I have not only had the opportunity to learn many new things, but I also have been able to make new connections with various individuals during my internship. I do not have enough words to describe how fortunate I have been to be given this opportunity, and have been very welcomed with open arms. My internship has given me so much that I will take with me as my journey continues.

Just this week I got to see a little of the pediatric side of things as well as pediatric therapy. I feel like this area drew me more into the health field than the previous medical field sections. I want to become a part of the pediatric community, as a health nurse. I cannot wait to go back with all the new knowledge I have obtained through my experiences here in Buenos Aires.

During this week I was able to visit El Ateneo, a famous library that used to be a theater. It is a place where you can select any book you desire, sit down and enjoy some coffee, or simply buy any books you would like. It was nice being able to sit down and read some books in Spanish. I also got to go to La Viruta once again with some friends, like I said I can’t get enough of it. La Viruta is so much fun, learning new dances, getting to meet people from all around the world, and just simply enjoying yourself.

Some pictures from the El Ateneo, library in Buenos Aires.

A picture of some of my friends and I from La Viruta.

Due to my little time left, my coordinator from BAC organized a trip this last weekend for me to go to the seventh wonderful places in the world, Las Cataratas de Iguazu (the waterfalls of Iguazu). It was amazing! I got to be accompanied by one of the sweetest, smartest, lovely Argentinian woman I have ever met, my coordinator’s mother who has become like my second mother and of course my friend from Switzerland. I could not of asked for more amazing people to keep me company. It is a place that I will never forget. It is definitely a place I recommend everyone to visit if they get the chance.

With my BAC coordinator’s mother and I heading to Puerto Iguazu.

The cabin we stayed at over the weekend in Puerto Iguazu.

Signing away our names in a restaurant we ate at everyday in Puerto Iguazu.

Some pictures of Las Tres Fronteras (the three boarders), Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Here are some animals I ran into while I walked through the trails of the Iguazu falls.

Some pictures from an international festival where more than 800 children from 25 different countries came together to put on a concert in Puerto Iguazu.

Just when I feel like Argentina has shown me all, it keeps surprising me with new things to see and new people to meet. I feel like I will be leaving with just a glimpse of Argentina, because it has so much to offer, the culture here is incredible.