While I was sitting at a coffee shop with my mom last night we realized that six months from today is the day I leave for France.
Oh my.
This makes me incredibly excited and also a little freaked out (but freaked out in the best possible way).
That is all. It is even grosser here than it was two days ago when I was complaining about the grossness.
Nora
3.10.2010
3.08.2010
:D!!!! :( :) :/
(The smileys in the title represent the pattern of emotions expressed in this post. I'm really into smileys right now......)
HOLY MOLEY!!! WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT.
I suddenly have $243 in donations on here!
WOW. I just checked it a few days ago and could not believe my eyes. I guess in the grand scheme of things this doesn't seem like a whole lot of money, but considering that a few weeks ago I had less than half that amount THIS IS VERY EXCITING NEWS.
I am so thrilled. Thank you so much to everyone who's been pitching in! Or should I say "chipping" in. Get it? Because of the name of the widget. Ha. Ha.
Granted, this is only 9% of my goal, so I would like to keep encouraging contributions. But we are making some progress here, people. Way to go!
It is very dark and gray and gross here. Ugh. March is so ugly. I am considerably cheered up, though, when I think about where I'll be next year. Maybe the south of France? Who knows? Boy, living in the south of France sounds nice this time of year. Though honestly, I'm sure March would be exponentially better anywhere in France than it is here. But then again, I have a horribly naïve and romantic view of France as some sort of Promised Land. I can't help it, though, I'm just so darn excited TO LIVE THERE FOR A YEARRRRRRRRR.
Well, I have to get back to reading Macbeth. Wow, things are depressing around here.
Nora
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To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
HOLY MOLEY!!! WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT.
I suddenly have $243 in donations on here!
WOW. I just checked it a few days ago and could not believe my eyes. I guess in the grand scheme of things this doesn't seem like a whole lot of money, but considering that a few weeks ago I had less than half that amount THIS IS VERY EXCITING NEWS.
I am so thrilled. Thank you so much to everyone who's been pitching in! Or should I say "chipping" in. Get it? Because of the name of the widget. Ha. Ha.
Granted, this is only 9% of my goal, so I would like to keep encouraging contributions. But we are making some progress here, people. Way to go!
It is very dark and gray and gross here. Ugh. March is so ugly. I am considerably cheered up, though, when I think about where I'll be next year. Maybe the south of France? Who knows? Boy, living in the south of France sounds nice this time of year. Though honestly, I'm sure March would be exponentially better anywhere in France than it is here. But then again, I have a horribly naïve and romantic view of France as some sort of Promised Land. I can't help it, though, I'm just so darn excited TO LIVE THERE FOR A YEARRRRRRRRR.
Well, I have to get back to reading Macbeth. Wow, things are depressing around here.
Nora
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To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
1.25.2010
Acceptance by France and Why I Like AFS
Sorry that it's been so long since I've updated this. I've been very busy.
Once again, I am writing this instead of doing things that need doing. But I am okay with that. I'll probably regret this choice tomorrow morning when I wake up and realize that I STILL haven't done laundry (laundry being one of the other things I could be doing right now). BUT I DON'T CARE. I got some stuff to say.
First of all, here is some excellent news:
I got a call about four weeks ago from AFS saying that I have been accepted by France. I still don't know where I'll be living (I won't find that out until I get my host family assignment, and that won't be for a few months), but I do know that I am going to France. For sure. It has been confirmed. So that's GREAT!
Here is something else I have been thinking about:
I've gotten a few questions about why I'm choosing to go with AFS next year. Like instead of just going and living with friends of friends (or relatives of friends, or friends of relatives of friends, etc.). And I answer those questions feeling a little stupid, because I honestly didn't really think about trying to set something like that up.
But when I think about it, I have absolutely no regrets about signing up with AFS- it is clearly the best choice. I really want the exchange student experience, which is something I wouldn't necessarily get living with a family I knew. And although AFS is expensive, it is really worth every penny. They are very thorough in making sure that everything is comfortable, that I'm happy with my arrangement, and that I'm well-prepared for my year abroad.
I think my favorite thing about AFS is the community it builds. There are SO many people all over the world who have connections with AFS. I had no idea how huge it was until I became a part of the program. Everywhere I go I meet people who have been involved with it: the guy who cut my hair a few weeks ago hosted a German exchange student his junior year, the guy who took my blood at the Red Cross spent a semester in Belgium in high school, a woman sitting in front of me at a play overheard me telling my friend about AFS, and turned around to tell me about her experience as a student in Germany, and then introduced me to the student she was currently hosting. Not to mention the conversations I've had with the AFS students at my school. These people are EVERYWHERE. It's insane.
So that is why I already love AFS. It seems like the biggest, greatest diplomacy mission in the world- what better way is there to make connections with other people all over the globe? By being involved in this program I won't just make connections in France, because I'll be interacting with people from all sorts of different countries along the way. I'm so excited for this experience.
A lot of random people at school have told me that they have read my blog. I wonder what they think of me................
That's all. Bye!
Nora
-------------
To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
Once again, I am writing this instead of doing things that need doing. But I am okay with that. I'll probably regret this choice tomorrow morning when I wake up and realize that I STILL haven't done laundry (laundry being one of the other things I could be doing right now). BUT I DON'T CARE. I got some stuff to say.
First of all, here is some excellent news:
I got a call about four weeks ago from AFS saying that I have been accepted by France. I still don't know where I'll be living (I won't find that out until I get my host family assignment, and that won't be for a few months), but I do know that I am going to France. For sure. It has been confirmed. So that's GREAT!
Here is something else I have been thinking about:
I've gotten a few questions about why I'm choosing to go with AFS next year. Like instead of just going and living with friends of friends (or relatives of friends, or friends of relatives of friends, etc.). And I answer those questions feeling a little stupid, because I honestly didn't really think about trying to set something like that up.
But when I think about it, I have absolutely no regrets about signing up with AFS- it is clearly the best choice. I really want the exchange student experience, which is something I wouldn't necessarily get living with a family I knew. And although AFS is expensive, it is really worth every penny. They are very thorough in making sure that everything is comfortable, that I'm happy with my arrangement, and that I'm well-prepared for my year abroad.
I think my favorite thing about AFS is the community it builds. There are SO many people all over the world who have connections with AFS. I had no idea how huge it was until I became a part of the program. Everywhere I go I meet people who have been involved with it: the guy who cut my hair a few weeks ago hosted a German exchange student his junior year, the guy who took my blood at the Red Cross spent a semester in Belgium in high school, a woman sitting in front of me at a play overheard me telling my friend about AFS, and turned around to tell me about her experience as a student in Germany, and then introduced me to the student she was currently hosting. Not to mention the conversations I've had with the AFS students at my school. These people are EVERYWHERE. It's insane.
So that is why I already love AFS. It seems like the biggest, greatest diplomacy mission in the world- what better way is there to make connections with other people all over the globe? By being involved in this program I won't just make connections in France, because I'll be interacting with people from all sorts of different countries along the way. I'm so excited for this experience.
A lot of random people at school have told me that they have read my blog. I wonder what they think of me................
That's all. Bye!
Nora
-------------
To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
1.10.2010
Some Things
Hello, world. I am writing a blog post because there are other things I should be doing, and I don't count doing this as procrastinating. Also there are some things I have to say.
I started a Facebook group for my whole going-to-france thing just to make people aware that it was happening and to spread this blog around. We'll see how that works. I know it is pathetic that I have raised a whopping $28 with this blog (1% of my goal!), but it really doesn't bother me that much. I feel the need to say that for some reason.
So those are some thoughts. In other news, I FOUND OUT MY BLOOD TYPE. Finally. It's
Okay so that image didn't work out as well as I wanted it to. I can't figure out how to get the border out of there. And make it bigger. But what really matters is that I now know my blood type, and therefore am now able to go to France. That is the important thing here. So YAY! That happened.
Anyways. Blogging is such a funny experience. Mostly the part about not really being able to tell if anyone is even reading what you write. Either no one is reading it, and that's embarrassing, or lots of people are reading it, and that is also kind of embarrassing. You really have to put yourself out there, and it's pretty intimidating. Of course, this blog isn't super personal so I'm not worrying myself with all that too much, but I can't help but feel a little strange about it. I can't wait until next year when I will actually have real things to write about. French things!
That is all I am going to say right now. There are some more things I want to write, but I will save them for later because I want to keep my posts shorter than they have been. I don't want to scare away the 2 or 3 readers that I may or may not have.
Bye!
-------------
To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
I started a Facebook group for my whole going-to-france thing just to make people aware that it was happening and to spread this blog around. We'll see how that works. I know it is pathetic that I have raised a whopping $28 with this blog (1% of my goal!), but it really doesn't bother me that much. I feel the need to say that for some reason.
So those are some thoughts. In other news, I FOUND OUT MY BLOOD TYPE. Finally. It's
Okay so that image didn't work out as well as I wanted it to. I can't figure out how to get the border out of there. And make it bigger. But what really matters is that I now know my blood type, and therefore am now able to go to France. That is the important thing here. So YAY! That happened.Anyways. Blogging is such a funny experience. Mostly the part about not really being able to tell if anyone is even reading what you write. Either no one is reading it, and that's embarrassing, or lots of people are reading it, and that is also kind of embarrassing. You really have to put yourself out there, and it's pretty intimidating. Of course, this blog isn't super personal so I'm not worrying myself with all that too much, but I can't help but feel a little strange about it. I can't wait until next year when I will actually have real things to write about. French things!
That is all I am going to say right now. There are some more things I want to write, but I will save them for later because I want to keep my posts shorter than they have been. I don't want to scare away the 2 or 3 readers that I may or may not have.
Bye!
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To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
12.30.2009
On Blood Types
Hi, everyone!
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To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating whatever it is that you celebrate this time of year. I had a great Christmas with my family here in Minneapolis- we were going to go to Wisconsin, but got snowed in.
Here's an AFS update:
I submitted my full application at the end of November, but on December 5th my parents got an email telling us that there were some things missing on my application. Most of them were pretty easy to take care of, so it was no big deal. BUT, as we found out, AFS also needed my blood type on one of my medical forms- information my parents don't have. We didn't think that would be very hard to find out; just call the doctor, or go to the hospital for a quick blood test. BUT BOY WERE WE WRONG.
Turns out my pediatrician doesn't know my blood type and isn't able to do a test. We had to call the hospital where I was born. So we did, and went through a whole big process of requesting medical information and driving around and talking to robots on the phone. Finally, we got through, and guess what? My blood wasn't typed when I was born! HA!
So a few days ago my mom took me to the Red Cross and I donated a pint of blood. It was actually a very pleasant experience, and I saved three lives! In twelve minutes! Without even really having to do anything. But unfortunately, they still won't be able to tell me my type for a few more days. GAH.
But at least the blood type is finally on its way. The application has been submitted without it- we'll just send it along when we find it out. I'm still doing fine in terms of time and deadlines, so it's all good.
It is just really surprising to me that it's so impossible to find out your blood type. The hospital is able to type your blood in seconds in an emergency, so how hard can it be? I mean, there are only, what? Four options?
My family is placing bets on what type I'll be. I'm thinking it's O.
Did you know that in Japan people treat their blood types like their zodiac signs? Everyone knows them there.
Anyways, all I can say is that as soon as I step off the plane in France, I hope someone asks me what my blood type is.
Happy New Year, everyone!
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To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
11.18.2009
Donation! Shout out to Ben Olk!
I'm pleased to announce that I have officially received my first donation!
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To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
Yes, I know. This blog has been up for awhile. And it is a bit pathetic to only be receiving a donation now. But I've been working on making this blog presentable to other people before I share it with anyone, so it's not like all of my friends and family have been trolling through this and not donating anything.
A nice photobooth portrait of my funds...
I was talking about this blog at a dinner with my family and our close family friends, the Olks. I mentioned how the little monitor on the side has been depressingly empty for a good month now. And generously, our friend Ben handed over a dollar bill to be my first donation. A week later, I got five euros in the mail from him. So thanks, Ben! It feels so much better to have some money coming in here.
Be like Ben and help support my year abroad!
No amount is too small. And you'll make my day (not to mention my year...)!
Oh, and another update:
I have officially sent off my AFS application. I'll find out my assignment sometime in January or February, and I'll let you all know just as soon as the news comes.
Thanks!
Nora Epp
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To donate to my AFS tuition click on the Chip In! link to the right -->
It only takes a minute!
11.01.2009
Another Intro- but of a slightly different sort
Hello everyone who is reading this (which is no one, but that will change soon).
Well, I've neglected this blog for about a month, and now that I am actually about a day away from officially submitting my AFS application, I thought I would update a little.
Since I'm going to be telling friends and family about this blog, people who aren't necessarily familiar with AFS, I thought I would start there. AFS stands for the American Field Service, and they had something to do with ambulances in World War II. Then, after the war, they turned into a promoting-world-peace-and-diplomacy student exchange program. These two things seem completely unrelated to me, but there must be some kind of link. Anyways, they kept the initials AFS even though it doesn't really mean anything.
They have been sending students around the world for over 60 years. They have an excellent track record, and are the biggest, most established exchange program in existence. If you have known an exchange student at any point in your life, it's a very good chance they were with AFS.
Here's their website if you want to know more:
http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/home
So, with AFS, I will be going to France next year. For the entire year. I'll stay with a host family, go to the local high school, etc. All my classes and interactions and other language surrounding me will be IN FRENCH. I won't be coming home at all during the year. This is full immersion. HOW COOL IS THAT?!
The other million dollar question is, of course, "Why?" Well. You would think that I would have a very articulate and logical answer for that. And I do, but it is scrambled somewhere deep within my brain where I can't quite get at it. I will try to sort it out for you.
I am going abroad for a number of reasons:
1) I have studied French for most of my life, and although still not fluent, I am passionate about and knowledgeable of the language, and there are few things I want more than to achieve fluency.
2) I've thought about being an exchange student since about 6th grade. I started to write it off as an impossibility, and then this summer I started to consider it some more, and I thought "Why not? Why couldn't I?" I realized it actually made way more sense than most things do.
3) I have a personality that suits it perfectly. I am not necessarily a chatty cathy, but I am very independent, easy-going, articulate, and interested.
4) Next year, several of my best friends will be graduating from high school and going to colleges far away, so staying in Minneapolis would be considerably less exciting.
5) I've always wanted to live in a foreign country, particularly France. I've always thought that I would live in France when I'm older. But why wait?
6) I like exploring and trying new things and going to new places!!! This will be the newest thing I've ever experienced.
7) It's a dream come true. Did I say that already?
Yes, It will be hard. But I know myself well enough to trust that this is something I can do.
And overall, the pros simply outweigh the cons. In fact, the pros probably have a good 500 pounds on the cons.
Anyway. I'm going to France next year. And I need your help! I'm hoping to make $2,500 towards my AFS tuition with this blog. Contributing is just a click away (see the little PitchIn! widget on the right).
Feel free to email me with an questions, or leave a comment.
vinora.epp@gmail.com
Thank you!
Nora Epp
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