As I prepare to move back to the states tomorrow morning, I'm taking some time to reflect on the amazing three years I've had here. There has been times of happiness and sadness, times of laughter and tears. I've had experiences beyond my wildest dreams, journeying to far out places and learning about different cultures beyond the United States. Most importantly, I've made memories that will last forever, with people that I will certainly never forget.
In the title of my blog, there is a small blurb- "A Journey". Two words that define life for me. It truly is remarkable how this journey has changed my life immensely. I have grown spiritually, socially, and academically. I've learned more about myself then I ever thought I would, and I now know exactly who I am and what I want to be. While one amazing journey is coming to a close, a new journey is just beginning, and I can't wait to see what this new one has to offer.
Three years ago I never could've imagine how much of an impact this experience would've made on me, and while I'm so excited to move back to America, it's a very bittersweet goodbye. I've spent the past week saying my goodbyes to the people that have affected me in so many ways, and each goodbye has been a little bit harder. However, I know this isn't the end, and I can't wait to see the new experiences I will create with the people I have grown to love.
It's been a hell of a three years, and I look back at my time here with no regrets, thankful for everything that this experience has given to me. I know that in a few weeks I'll be missing the "land across the pond" but I think the Semisonic song says it best:
"Closing Time- Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End"
Peace Out England and Thanks for a FANTASTIC 3 Years
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Graduation
This is it. The long awaited ceremony marking the end of our high school career and the transition into adulthood. It's Graduation, and man does it feel weird.
Our graduation ceremony took place Thursday, June 18th at our school, ACS Hillingdon. The ceremony was held in the gym, where we all walked in to pomp and circumstance and sat underneath an array of flags from each of the countries represented in our class. After listening to a few speakers and some music performances, all 49 of us received our High School Diplomas, officially giving us the keys to begin our new life in University.
We then all walked out and tossed our hats, followed by joyous periods of hugs with friends, goodbyes to teachers, and photos with family. Afterwards, my family and a few other families of graduates went out to lunch and then to a couple of after-grad socials. This was all capped off with an awesome grad party JUST for the graduates.
While I was practically jumping for joy at the conclusion of the ceremony, it was so bittersweet. I mean c'mon we're done with High School, time for freedom and fun, one of the best days of our life. However, at the end of the day all I could think about was that this chapter of my life, probably the most fantastic and rewarding one yet, is coming to an end, and that in order to open the new chapter, I was gonna have to say goodbye to some of the most influential people in my life. Still, through the sadness I enjoyed the ceremony, enjoyed the festivities, and, most of all, enjoyed the company which has had the biggest impact on my life so far. 
Congratulations Class of 2009 and Best of Luck. WE DID IT!
Our graduation ceremony took place Thursday, June 18th at our school, ACS Hillingdon. The ceremony was held in the gym, where we all walked in to pomp and circumstance and sat underneath an array of flags from each of the countries represented in our class. After listening to a few speakers and some music performances, all 49 of us received our High School Diplomas, officially giving us the keys to begin our new life in University.We then all walked out and tossed our hats, followed by joyous periods of hugs with friends, goodbyes to teachers, and photos with family. Afterwards, my family and a few other families of graduates went out to lunch and then to a couple of after-grad socials. This was all capped off with an awesome grad party JUST for the graduates.While I was practically jumping for joy at the conclusion of the ceremony, it was so bittersweet. I mean c'mon we're done with High School, time for freedom and fun, one of the best days of our life. However, at the end of the day all I could think about was that this chapter of my life, probably the most fantastic and rewarding one yet, is coming to an end, and that in order to open the new chapter, I was gonna have to say goodbye to some of the most influential people in my life. Still, through the sadness I enjoyed the ceremony, enjoyed the festivities, and, most of all, enjoyed the company which has had the biggest impact on my life so far. Congratulations Class of 2009 and Best of Luck. WE DID IT!Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Senior Prom
I'm gonna make it a conscious effort over the next few days to blog all about the fantastic end to my senior year. Wow....that's a weird sentence to write, I mean I know I'm DONE with High School but it's still weird writing it. And while it's so exciting finally being finished, it's also extremely scary.
Anyways, following the epic senior trip to Greece, I had the pleasure of having my BEST friend, Emily, come visit from the states for two weeks. This meant that she got to see the awards nights at school, got to attend my Senior Lunch, was able to see my graduation and enjoy all the festivities, and best of all: be my date to my Senior Prom.
The prom was held at the Windsor Castle Hotel, right across the street from Windsor Castle. We arrived after having the picture party at my friend Erika's house (pictures below). At the venue, we ate a deliciously catered buffet dinner and showed our awesome dance moves with the VJ (Video DJ). After the prom, we went over to my friend Sam's house for a fun after-party.
The night was super fun and I was so glad that I was able to take my best friend. While I had a blast, it was so hard to believe that this was it. I mean everyone always talks about Senior Prom and how awesome it is, which it was, but I think the hard part is that word "SENIOR". This was the thing everyone always looks forward to, the thing that is so exciting and takes so much preparation, and then it is gone in about 4 hours. And while Juniors have another one to look forward to, for us seniors this is it. Therefore, I'm glad that I made the most of my night and had a fantastic senior prom.
Now onto the pictures:
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Senior Trip
One of the biggest privileges of being a senior is the end-of-year senior trip. This year, our Class of '09 went to Zakynthos, an island in Greece said to be one of the club capitals of Europe.
About 2/3 of our senior class went on the trip, where we all stayed at an all-inclusive resort (that's right: unlimited food AND drinks :P) situated in the heart of Laganas, a coastal city with over 20 different clubs. The weather was fantastic (and most of you wouldn't believe how incredibly tan I am!) and the atmosphere made us all feel so great about finally graduating.
While I was ready to come home by the end of the trip and sick of the same bars and clubs every night (not to mention a few of the people :/ ), I still had a great time and consider senior trip one of the best trips of my life! Yea, the nights were all very similar, but without fail there was always some sort of drama or exciting event that would occur to make that night memorable. And while the nights were exhilarating, the days were relaxing as we got to go to the beach, sit by the pool, go to the spa, or whatever we wanted at our OWN choosing. 
So all the hard work of organizing this trip (and believe you me was it DIFFICULT!) paid off in the end, and everyone had a fantastic time as we were able to be together and celebrate all that we've accomplished in the past four years. Now on to graduation....
About 2/3 of our senior class went on the trip, where we all stayed at an all-inclusive resort (that's right: unlimited food AND drinks :P) situated in the heart of Laganas, a coastal city with over 20 different clubs. The weather was fantastic (and most of you wouldn't believe how incredibly tan I am!) and the atmosphere made us all feel so great about finally graduating. While I was ready to come home by the end of the trip and sick of the same bars and clubs every night (not to mention a few of the people :/ ), I still had a great time and consider senior trip one of the best trips of my life! Yea, the nights were all very similar, but without fail there was always some sort of drama or exciting event that would occur to make that night memorable. And while the nights were exhilarating, the days were relaxing as we got to go to the beach, sit by the pool, go to the spa, or whatever we wanted at our OWN choosing. So all the hard work of organizing this trip (and believe you me was it DIFFICULT!) paid off in the end, and everyone had a fantastic time as we were able to be together and celebrate all that we've accomplished in the past four years. Now on to graduation....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)