I should so be sleeping!

Instead, I'm having a total SQUEE moment at getting to work with Reach the World (www.reachtheworld.org). I mean, yes, I have known about this for a bit now, but now, it's about to start! I can't wait to find out what class will be following my journey! I'm trying to make a mental to-do list of all the things I need to do with RTW. Definitely need to see how the punctuation of my essays can be polished - a couple things were definitely lost in translation... All in all though, I'm just super excited. I'm trying to decide what to write for my first entry. I think I'm going to talk about the wedding I went to in Mahalapye. I have some great pics... I also need to start carrying my camera around with me. It probably feels incredibly neglected.

I'm just so amazed at all the opportunities that I've gotten so far as a Gilman recipient... And it seems they're not going to stop, even after I come home. For anyone following this blog - if you're getting a Pell Grant and want to study abroad, the Gilman is accepting applications for next year (www.iie.org/gilman). Go check it out!

Another note - also SQUEE inducing, I got the Gilman Alumni Newsletter - they had a little blurb about the RTW program. I totally sent that to my mama :) In case you haven't notied, I definitely have words of affirmation in my love language makeup!

Okay - I'm going to try to sleep now - this sore throat of mine needs rest!

Thoughts :)

I really surprised. I quite enjoy having an actual roommate (I say actual because I had a roommate at home, but we only shared a house... not a room). Her name is Kristin, she is from Norway and she's funny. We both sleep pretty heavily and I don't know. I just really like her.

This whole experience is just interesting. I think that the students here are probably much more informed in general knowledge than those back home. The degrees also seem to be more specialised. I think lack of access to technology has more of an effect on academic quality than anything.

However, my unit (archaeology) actually seems to be quite full of very current thinkers. My favorite lecturer by far is Dr. Segobye. She's gotten me really interested in the issues of Heritage Management. Something I would never have studied if not for coming here.

Study abroad is an opportunity that shouldn't be missed. I was always aware of the buffer we have as American's, but honestly immersing yourself in another culture is such a rich and rewarding experience. Every student should have this opportunity... it should be on everyone's bucket list!