2018-08-20
Right now, there is a stupendous pile of objects strewn across my sister’s old room. In fact, ever since Aniqua officially moved out, the room has been slowly assimilated into a preparatory launch pad. A confined world of 40% deet, malaria pills, dollar store band-aids, and loose fitting pants. It is a world I can...
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2018-08-19
Growing up, my family has prioritized and valued traveling and learning languages. Though we enjoy relaxing vacations to the beach, almost every trip we have been on has cradled the purpose of learning. These trips have included visiting ruins of Indigenous pueblas, drives through the badlands and learning the pros and cons of herding...
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This time last year, I was writing essays answering “Why _______ University?” in 500 words or less. For the past 3 months I’ve verbally answered the prompt “Why are you taking a gap year,” and improvised a varying response each time. My reasons evolve, but my most coherent answer yet came, ironically, when I knew...
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Right now, I am sitting in the comfort of my bed in Berkeley, California. In 8 days I will be meeting GCY fellows and staff members at Stanford. In just 14 days I will be on a flight to Quito. It is definitely starting to feel more real now. To be honest, I have been...
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2018-08-18
I have always been known to do the unexpected. All my life I have never wanted to be like anybody else, sound like anybody else or copy anybody else. My family always commented on my bold decisions in everything I did calling me a “leader“, not a follower. As high school was ending and I was destined to go to college something just didn’t add up in my head. I wasn’t enthusiastic. I was not excited to head off to college and continue my life. I wanted a pause. A time to reflect on my life, and where I want to take it. Suddenly, a few weeks before graduation, an opportunity fell perfectly into my lap in an email from my guidance counselor. A video labeled “Why take a gap year?” was attached with an application to Global Citizen Year. As I...
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2018-08-18
Two years ago, I started a life changing experience. I was offered a scholarship to attend UWCSEA, meaning I was going to be spending two years in Singapore in an international school supported by values based on peace, diversity and international understanding. I refer to that experience as a rollercoaster; with ups, downs, and...
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2018-08-18
Here is a picture of me (and my friend Talia) on my high school graduation night, just over two months ago: But let’s rewind a bit to before my last year of high school came to an end. . . The most frequently asked question for us high school seniors is: “Where...
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