Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Puzzles and Communication

Well I've finally told my bosses that I am leaving them in a couple of short weeks. I was really nervous to tell them because I began working in January, and I felt like leaving so soon was letting them down. To my surprise and relief they were very supportive and encouraging. My apprehension was for naught.

As my preparations for leaving continue, I am constantly learning to communicate, persevere, and ask for help when I need it. These lessons are very important to me because ever since I moved to the US at the age of nine I had been painfully shy and always tried to do things on my own instead of asking for help when I truly needed it, but college and studying abroad previously have helped me escape my shell and realize how invaluably helpful people can be. My Visa application process could not have gone more smoothly, and I was able to purchase a plane ticket for about $450 dollars, but I did have some complications with housing and the timely disbursement of my loan. Asking for help, and explaining my situation to those involved helped me resolve the problems. Everything is falling into place through my efforts and initiative. I have always had an appreciation and love for mathematics because it was like a puzzle that had to be solved, that's why I believe that I like this planning process. The rewards of the final image are worth the frustration and hard work along the way.

As the day of my flight is rapidly approaching, I am very glad I chose to go about two weeks before the start of orientation, it will give me time to get acquainted with Birmingham, my flat mates, and prepare for classes (I'm not going to lie, I am very nervous about the classes, let's hope my work ethic is able to help me through). 24 days and counting!


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

The One Month Mark


My flight is exactly one month from today. It's surreal that things are getting real. I've already received my Visa, it was issued to me pretty quickly after I had completed and submitted all of the necessary documents. I received it in less than a week. The next few weeks are going to be a combination of things I have to do, and things I want to do. The planning, organizing, cleaning, packing, and last minute doctor visits are all part of the process. But this process also includes shopping, spending time with friends, and allowing myself to feel the excitement for what's ahead. Since I was fortunate enough to have spent a semester abroad during my final year of college, I already have friends all over Europe who are looking forward to as many mini reunions as we can manage. To know that I have friends all over the world is one of the priceless results of going abroad. See you in a month, England.