The Adventure Continues

I know it has been a while, but Tony told me to never apologize for not blogging. So don't expect an apology.

I intended to blog about my 10-day trip to Guatemala, and I'm sure at some point, I will share photos and stories with you. But for now, I have some exciting news related to my semester abroad in London.

On May 6th, I received a phone call from the EuroLearn office telling me I had won the Alumna of the Year Award. Words cannot possibly explain how much I had hoped to win this award, and how excited I was when I found out I actually had. I was in shock and disbelief, but I felt this incredible sense of belonging. You see, receiving this award from GlobaLinks means that I go to Vancouver for the annual NAFSA conference. NAFSA is the Association of International Educators, and the conference is a giant meeting of study abroad programs from all over the world. Since realizing, about a year ago, that working in the study abroad industry was exactly what I wanted to do with my life, I knew that being able to attend NAFSA would be a massive step in the right direction. Knowing that I am going gives me an even greater feeling that I am doing the right thing.

You can watch my application video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6fOltlxnD8

I leave for Vancouver tomorrow, and I am both nervous and excited. I've spent the past two weeks preparing--adding clothing to my professional wardrobe, writing my speech for the GlobaLinks luncheon, tightening my resume--and it is all coming to fruition when I get on that plane for Canada. I am so looking forward to meeting the GlobaLinks and EuroLearn staff, many of whom I have emailed and spoken to on the phone, but have never gotten to meet. I know that I will be meeting some incredible people at the conference, and I do not really know how to prepare for these encounters, except to be humble, eager to learn, and an excellent listener. I believe that the Lord has gone before me, just as He did in London, and prepared everything. Any connections that are made, jobs that are offered, or opportunities that are given will be because of Him, and I have already begun to thank Him for what He is going to do in Canada.

I am honored to represent EuroLearn and GlobaLinks as the Alumna of the Year, and I cannot possibly express my gratitude in having the chance to attend NAFSA and dip my feet in the international education industry. I will try to update you while I am there, but definitely expect a post when I return.

Thanks for reading, friends.

Love,
lvp