By the end of June, 2007, my un-airconditioned high school was a hot, sticky mess. Textbook pages had to be peeled apart, our uniform oxford shirts stuck to our backs. Needless to say, paying attention in my 9th period Spanish class was a challenge. So when Profesora Lang lectured us about the virtues of a “study abroad experience,” I filed her words in the back of my brain along with “stay away from the fraternity punch,” “balance is key,” and all of the other parting advice adults feel compelled to share with graduating seniors. Nevertheless, my teacher’s words came bounding back to me two years later when I was a sophomore in college. “Go… and go for a year.” My inner compass was tugging me toward Spain, and reassured by my teacher’s words of wisdom, I decided to spend my junior year in Sevilla.
This will be a far cry from my home in Northern New Jersey! My small bedroom community will be replaced by an historic city, and that familiar New Jersey accent eclipsed by the smooth, melodic rhythms of Spanish. I’m leaving behind my family, my language and my comfort zone, but there are some things I will carry with me. I am a Human Development and Psychological Services major at Northwestern University, and when you get down to the basics, this means that I am intrigued by people. I want to think about the differences between American and Spanish culture and the ways in which they’re manifested. I want to observe and appreciate the beautiful and not-so-beautiful commonalities among humans across cultures. I want to learn!
In a few short days, my education and my life is leaping from the tidy confines of the Northwestern Spanish department, and from its beginnings in the clammy classrooms of my high school. I’m plunging into an unknown world of untold opportunities. It will surely be an adventure. I invite you to join me!
yaaaay! I can’t wait to see you.
Comment by Elizabeth — August 29, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
“I want to observe and appreciate the beautiful and not-so-beautiful commonalities among humans across cultures”
Sar, I love this : ) Can’t wait for blog stalking and more impromptu skype dates!
Comment by Rebecca Crook — August 29, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
I am so excited to read your ever-interesting observations about people, culture, and the world in general. Rock it girl!
Comment by Emily — August 30, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
Look what I found!! So glad I’ll be able to stay updated, Thom!
Comment by Jenna B — September 2, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
Ah, Thomas you write beautifully…I’m going to LOVE reading your blog! hope your first few days go wonderfully!
Comment by Rome — September 3, 2009 @ 2:27 am
I can’t wait to read your first entry, Sarah. I hope your trip over was great, that you are rested
and that you can make a few meaningful comments to
I miss and love you. I’m so excited to follow along!
xo, Mom
Comment by Barb — September 3, 2009 @ 8:39 am
not sure what happened there… “a few meaningful comments to your host family…”
Comment by Barb — September 3, 2009 @ 8:41 am
Sarah! I am so excited to hear about all of the incredible experiences that undoubtedly await you. Have a blast! and come back fluent
Comment by Jacko — September 3, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
Sarah this is such a great idea! I can’t wait to read all your entries and feel like I am going through the journey with you! Love you sweet girl.
Comment by Hannah — September 3, 2009 @ 8:30 pm
Sarah,
You don’t know me but I am a friend of your Mom’s. Make the
most of your opportunity. Don’t
let the bulls catch you and most importantly, HAVE FUN.
Comment by Hoeney — September 4, 2009 @ 3:10 am
Sarah, I’m so glad your doing this. I can’t wait to hear all about your experience in Spain.
Comment by Leslie — September 4, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
Sarah I absolutely love your bio! I am very excited to read your blog throughout the year. I love you and miss you sbt. You will have the time of your life.
Comment by Cody Hiller — September 5, 2009 @ 8:56 am
I am so happy for you, and for all the people whose lives you will touch because of this experience. We (my students and I) will follow your blog with great interest and hope.
-Profesora Lang
PS: The World Language Department has air conditioning now in the new “skywalk” addition!
Comment by Profesora Lang — September 5, 2009 @ 11:04 am
You are magnificent. Glad I met you while wearing that oxford shirt. You’ll change lives, I know it for sure. Miss you and love you sarita!
Comment by Dana — September 6, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
so… i too will be blogstalking you. I miss you and I cant wait to compare accents when I get back.. the double L here and the Y are pronounced “Sh” here. so weird.. and kinda fun
i adore you
Comment by McCall Vollum — September 6, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
ps- why didnt I think of doing a blog? that was a truly fantastic idea worthy of a truly fantastic lady
Comment by McCall Vollum — September 6, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
I am very proud of you and happy to know that you are using your Spanish. You always were an excellent student and inspiration for your classmates and teachers.
Comment by Mrs. Partida — September 10, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
Sarita!!! Que viva ESPANA!!! Enjoy every minute of your trip I am sure it will be full of adventures that will turn into fun memories. I love you.
Comment by Nora — September 15, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
hi Sarah, so glad your Mom told me about your blog – I love being able to read about your most exciting journey and “seeing” Spain through your eyes. All the best!
Comment by mona daddario — September 28, 2009 @ 9:48 am
Hola Sarah! I stumbled across your blog on facebook (of all places)! I’m enjoying all of your observations – it’s a far cry from youth group days at Mt. Fern! Hasta luego!
Comment by Cindy Petermann — October 24, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
I found it. This is awesome…I wish I had done this when i went to S America. Anyways, keep up the great writing, and ill c u back in NJ during the summer.
Comment by Rocky Patel — January 1, 2010 @ 1:19 pm