A letter from a student. I had to post this, it is amazing. None of us can take all or even most of the credit for powerful learning events that influence people, but it is great to be a part of this.
Hey guys!!!! Thank you so much for the email, although it has taken me entirely way toooooo long to reply. I was really excited to get an email from both of you, as the girls from 107 (the "haunted" nursery) have kept in very close contact with each other. We we able to get together a few times now since then, and it has been wonderful. What a bond that has been created. What a magical place we were all at.... we always start to get teary eyed. I moved in with Jenice this past summer after graduating, and we had our room decked out with photos and and memories of the three amazing months abroad. Thank you both for being so vital in those times.
Congratulations to the both of you to continuing on your journey in the directions you both have been dreaming of. International Politics at the University of Edinburgh!!!!! Ryan, all I have to say is wow! And Tim, of course, we all knew how much you enjoyed your job and we're living your dream, so I was glad to hear that you still are enjoying it just as much. You both are so wonderful. Great role models to have around at the house, and awesome to talk to you about anything.
Well, my life has changed a lot since I left the Dalkeith house last November. I finished my degree at UW-Superior and graduated this past may with a double major in Broad Field Science (emphasis in Chemistry and Biology) and a B.S. in Sociology. I was excepted to the University of Health Sciences in Bloomington MN to obtain a masters in Oriental Medicine. So, I was planning to start there just a few days ago (the 6th of September) however something happened.... something amazing.
I kept putting off officially saying yes to the program because I had some questions lingering in the back of mind.... questions about the subject of health care as a whole and how poor of a system the U.S. has. So, without much thinking, I applied for the peace corp, feeling as though some volunteering would be something for me to do. In the process of looking for a spot to fulfill my goals, as well as helping others, I found the Americorps.
Well, long story even longer.... I found out the Americorp had a separate health corp with stations in Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville. After one week of getting accepted, I moved myself across the U.S. down to Jacksonville Florida to be part of the North Florida Health Corps. IT HAS BEEN THE MOST AMAZING THING NEXT TO SCOTLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have only been down here for two weeks now, so I am still getting to know the area. But after being in Scotland for three months, I found that my period for adjusting was reduced to about 4 hours. Not kidding. I would have to think Scotland had A LOT to do with that. Being thrown into a palace with 80 new faces was something, so that helped me a lot.
Anyway, we just had our first full week of pre-service training. It was amazing!!!! Lots of speakers and people from the community welcoming us. I'm the only white girl, so I am in the minority, and I love it that way. I learn a lot in this past week alone. Wow.
So.... that is my life right now in a nutshell. I will let you know what I am doing as I get more into things. As of right now, my site is the I.M. Salzbacher Center for the Homeless. We shelter over 300 people on a given night. I will be working with the women and children with AIDS/HIV to provide education and support. I will also be presenting once a week to doctors and those staying at the shelter on life skills to take with them once they leave. It is going to be one heck of year.
Anyway, enough about me. I just wanted to let you both know that you played a role in the stepping stone from who I was when I got to the palace and who I am today. Thank you both for everything, the students there today are really lucky to have you guys. I'll be hearing from you both soon hopefully!
Always,
Natasha
No comments:
Post a Comment