Hi all! It’s been a while since my previous post and I wanted to write a little update about my study abroad journey.
Shortly after my trip to the Spanish consulate in DC, I got a very somber call from the study abroad office at my home institution. Long story short, my study abroad plans had to be postponed until Spring 2019 for a number of personal, institutional, and familial reasons – none of which have any direct relation to the purposes of this blog. I was originally a bit upset, but after taking some time to mull over the situation I have arrived at a few happy conclusions this bump in the road provided:
- My last semester at Appalachian State University is now Fall 2018. Autumn is my favorite season so I will be able to enjoy it to its fullest here in the mountains, crisp winds and changing leaves and all.
- I am able to stack my course load a bit heavier this fall semester so that I can finesse a more favorable balance to my academic and personal life once I arrive in Madrid.
- And lastly, studying abroad during the spring semester gives me more time to travel and explore Europe after classes end.
In the mean time I have pulled together a class schedule and housing for the fall, gained and maintained connections to help me learn and practice Spanish, and of course, taken lots of photos.
In just the last bit of summer I visited the sunflower patch at Dorothea Dix Park, followed the Raleigh Murals Project map, and enjoyed a weekend at the beach. Photos are below!
Now that I am in back in Boone and the semester is well underway, I am making a conscious effort to spend as much time as I can outside. In just the past two weeks I have watched sunsets at the local community college, enjoyed more than a handful of hikes, and swam in some rushing river waters. I love to be outdoors!
Stay tuned for more stateside travels, photos, and story updates until my study abroad experience kicks off in January!