Getting Sentimental

I am at a really exciting point in my life, and not just because I'm moving to another country for a year.

I have just finished my formal education, having earned an M.P.H. (Master's Degree in Public Health), Certificate in Global Health, B.A. (Bachelor of Arts degree) in Journalism, completed a Minor in History (still not sure how to refer to this, as completing my Major in Journalism turned into having a B.A. in Journalism), completed an internship as a TV-news reporter with ABC News in Denver KMGH, and completed an AmeriCorps Mission as a Youth Volunteer Coordinator and Prevention Specialist.

I have learned a lot from each of these unique educational experiences, and plan to continue learning during this Global Health Fellowship in Kenya, and for many years to come. Yet, this point marks the end of my formal education in a classroom setting. While I am proud of my accomplishments, I must admit that I am apprehensive about joining the real world as an adult. In a classroom, I know exactly what is expected of me and how to succeed, which can be clearly reflected in the grade I receive. In the "real" adult world, evaluations are usually not so clear-cut. I believe that I have performed well in school not because I am "smarter" than my peers, but because I work harder and spend more time on assignments. School has never been easy for me, as I have a terrible short-term memory and am easily distracted; but what I lack in learning speed, I more than make up for in passion and commitment. Furthermore, I have not achieved these accomplishments without significant support and help from others, namely my parents. I would not be who or where I am today without their guidance, generous financial support, and never-ending emotional support.

Another reason this is a turning point in my life, is how my relationship with my family (particularly with my brother and sister) is changing and growing. I have always been very close with my family, and not just my immediate family, but with my relatives on both sides of my family tree. I am lucky to have such strong ties, but my relationship with two people, in particular, is taking on a new form. My brother and sister, Matt and Melissa (aka "M&M", aka "Bebee & Robonzo"), are finally at an age where we can relate to each other as adults and friends, and not merely the kids I fought with over the TV-remote or computer. The most startling part of their growing up, is the realization that my relationship with each of them will no longer just sustain itself. I suspect we will never live under the same roof again, and they won't just be around anytime I want to visit home. This is especially true now that my brother has moved to Argentina for the summer and my sister is living in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she just finished her freshmen year of college. Since there is a 4-year difference between me and my brother, and 6-year difference between me and my sister, we couldn't relate to one another on the same level. Moreover, I have always been much more outgoing and, admittedly, more demanding than either of them, leading them to team up against me at times. Now that we are older and more mature, I really want to be close friends with each of them. Getting together over family holidays and sending birthday cards once a year won't cut it. I have to make the effort now, or I fear we will grow apart.  The physical distance between us will definitely make this a challenge, but I am determined to be a good friend to both Matt and Melissa. In fact, what prompted me to compose this blog in the first place, was a sentimental note I just left on my brother's facebook page:

"Hey Matty! I miss you and am so proud of you for embarking on this adventure so far from home. You have really come into your own and I really like the person you have grown into. You have found your niche, my friend and kin, and with music and the Spanish language, you are taking the world be storm. I realize that this message is cheesy, but I'm getting really sentimental these days (as I prepare to embark on my own international adventure) and I think it is important that you know how much I love ya! Live it up in Argentina and I will see you when I come home from Kenya for 2 weeks over Christmas. I'll make sure to bring you something good... perhaps an instrument?"

I am happy to report, that Matt responded quickly:
"Love you too, sis."

I am truly happy with my life right now.
I am in awe of how many amazing people I know, and excited to be doing something meaningful with my life. So, despite a healthy dose of apprehension, I look forward to my departure with an overall sense of excitement.

Thanks for reading! I welcome comments.
~S