Thursday, May 26, 2011

Viva Las Chisinau

Graduation has come and gone, undergraduate life is over, and now begins the next chapter. Graduation itself was rather hectic and chaotic but when more than 2000 people graduate, what can you expect. The sea of black caps and gowns was overwhelming knowing 140+ years of this tradition had preceded me.  Packing up my room for the last time was bizarre, this place was my home for four years, taking the picture off the wall I got reminders of the memorable moments that spanned across my years at UNH. The friends I have made, lessons I have learned, and the dreams I have of my future that propel me confidently into my post-undergrad life.

This is the first "outside-the-603" post, in sunny Las Vegas. Dad and I have spent the past few days hanging at the pool, shopping at the gigantic malls and enjoying the absence of rain. Tonight we went on a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, it was epic. It made me realize just how huge this country is, and continued to remind me just how much there is, outside the 603.

Just over a week until I leave for Moldova. The excitement of talking about is becoming overshadowed by my nerves in knowing this is all really happening. And so, here I sit on my fancy-pants bed in this Las Vegas high-rise hotel, being able to count down (...on my fingers) the number of days before my life gets shifted from New Hampshire to Moldova. For now, I will enjoy my family and friends, and prepare for the big bon voyage.

Until next time --
Peace

Friday, May 6, 2011

The academic bubble is about to burst

Well, in exactly one month from today I will be in Philly preparing for departure to Moldova. Can this really be happening? Life here at the good ole' University of NH is quickly coming to a close. I have loved my time here, four years has gone by far too quickly, and though it seems I am racing to encapsulate every memory I can in my remaining weeks, I am also excited for the adventure that awaits me in Moldova.

What do I love about college life? I know I can't say everything...but it's all about the uniqueness of this place. I like to call it: The academic bubble, a place where you are always stimulated to think, think differently, think harder, think until your brain hurts...and after falling asleep on your laptop, think so more. This is a place I will always remember. Where else do you: where wear flip-flops in the shower? Stay up late watching mindless Youtube clips? Have 95% of the population believing that black leggings, Uggs and a North Face is at the height of fashion? Walk all the way across campus to get to the "good" dining hall? Sit in the computer cluster working on homework all night, and leave when the sun is coming up? Drink so much coffee you think you might, in fact, be having a heart attack? Meet awesome people in class, who you later split a pitcher with at the bar? Think that a beer costing more than $3 is a rip off? Procrastinate on facebook because lets face it, that paper just isn't as important? Laugh so hard you cry and cry so hard you laugh? There is truly nothing like a University lifestyle, it's a magical time and I have loved every obscure part of it.

This evening I went home to see my brother before his Senior prom, odd. I did my best to embarrass him as much as possible, you know, since I will be gone in a month. Unfortunately for me, Sam is used to this sort of behavior, and so, it was hard to get him as flustered as I had hoped. He and his date both looked excellent, I'm sure they will have a great time. Sam, too has a lot changes to look forward to. I couldn't be more excited for him, he will be embarking on his University life next fall. I wish for him only the best at his school, I know he will shine.

I guess this will probably be one of the last posts that actually is written within "the 603." Wow, that makes me all sorts of emotions.

Until next time,
Peace