...And reality hits.

I finally decided it was time to begin a blog. I am embarking on [another] huge journey, and this time I want to record all my feelings and experiences before they slowly vanish as the years go on.

I studied abroad in Madrid for the 2008-2009 school year, which has been the biggest life-changing experience I have had so far in my young adult life. While in Madrid, I experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and learned so much about myself in the process. At the end of that year, I realized how many career opportunities I had in front of me, which made it hard to fathom what I really wanted to do. Upon my return to the states, I dealt with a lot of emotions, and had a real tough time adjusting to being back in what had became another foreign country to me. Returning to San Francisco to finish my senior year of college, I decided I needed to master the Spanish language in order to become a translator/interpreter--a career I thought would bring me the most joy. The opportunity to work in Spain as a Cultural Ambassador through the Spanish government became apparent, and I just had to jump on it. I was to be a college graduate with an actual job lined up with medical insurance, which has become a rarity nowadays.

Then summer arrived. I was to have almost 4 full months to enjoy being home before I was to move 6,000 miles away again. I dealt with a lot of emotions; I had one of the best summers of my life, which obviously was going to make it hard to leave. There were times I wanted to stay home and start concrete things there. I was tired of always moving, and nothing ever being long-term because of it. Then I had to realize that I had my whole life in front of me, and have plenty of time to start things at home--once I returned from all my adventures. I also had to remember why I was going back to Spain in the first place. The reality is that at this time in my life, I need tons of stimulation and adventure, and I am definitely not ready to just stay in one place and fall into some mundane routine. So here's to some amazing times and unforgettable experiences! Spain round 2, I am definitely prepared for you!