Traveling back home was bearable, thanks to Brenna! I was so blessed to have her with me all the way to LA. After we made it to the Perth airport, I didn’t cry the entire way home. I was still gloomy, but having Brenna by my side kept me strong. Still, it was the longest, hardest plane ride I’d ever experienced.
Coming home was one of the strangest feelings. Everything seemed exactly the same as when I left. I felt as if I had fallen asleep for a nap, and woken up after a perfect dream. I was thrilled to see my parents again, and looked forward to catching up with all of my friends. Still, I was unsure of how to handle myself in America again.
My first day back, I got in my kayak to paddle around the lake for a bit. As I was starting out into the water, I realized that I could hear voices from across the lake – the sound carrying across the water. It made me look back on my semester and my newfound best friends, and realize that even though so much water and so many miles separate us, I will still be able to hear their voices and feel their impact on my life.
A few of these people I’m talking about deserve some recognition for all that they did for me this semester:
Margaret Keener
We arrived on the same flight, and I immediately knew that you were one legit girl. No matter the situation, you always made it brighter. You hold a special place in so many hearts, as you always put other’s desires before your own. Thanks for always being my go-to girl to listen to all of my troubles and secrets – I truly don’t know how I’m going to get by without running up to flat 4 daily to give you the newest updates on my life. I’ll never forget the great times we had almost each and every day, and on our expeditions to Bunbury, the Outback, and Rotto. I feel like I’ve found a new sister, and can’t wait for all of the fun and footy pics we’re going to have in the Carolinas! I love you!
Annie Hulkower
If there was a chance for fun, you always made it happen. I’ll never forget your openness and your ability to love unconditionally. Some of my best times include our adventures: the Engine Room in Bali, cooking hamburgers on the NW Trip, and (of course!) the last Wednesday night Newport bus ride. (: Thanks for showing me how to live every moment to the fullest!
Eric Johnsson
First of all, thanks for showing me that there is so much more to life than worrying about grades and exams. You really allowed me to take a step back, enjoy the Australian life, and have “no worries.” You’re definitely one of the sweetest, most amazing people I’ve ever met, and I wouldn’t trade our times together for anything. I’ll never forget our MMA training sessions, our Scarborough and Rotto adventures, or the itsy bitsy spider in Swedish. Miss you!
Malcolm Mitchell
How will life ever be the same?! I really don’t know if a single person has ever made me laugh so much. You put your all into each of your friendships, and I’m so glad that I was one of the lucky people who received your love! You definitely win the award for the strangest birthday party I’ve ever attended – I will forever be your Janet. Thanks for continuing to make my day with your facebook messages. If I don’t go crazy with missing you, it’ll be a miracle. Hopefully I can hold out until it’s time for our adventures to being in the USA! Love you so much!
James Abraham
I’ll forever be in your dept for making Australia feel like home from the beginning. From leading our team to victory in Bunbury as our captain, to helping me find a job, you were always so willing to put others before yourself! Thanks for everything captain.
Samantha Strom
Girl, I will never forget you, simply because I almost am you! I’m so glad that I found someone who shared my ambitious character. Our Bali adventures in the rice field and waterfalls with Eva were once in a lifetime. Also, I truly appreciated the wonderful meals you shared with the crew! Look out for what’s going down in the South once we get together!
Brenna and Eva
I’m so glad that I got to know your amazing personalities throughout the semester, and especially during our adventures in Melbourne. Even though we’re way too far apart right now, at least we’re in the same country. Looking forward to some epic reunions. Love you!!
Ashleigh Roddick
ROOMIE! You win the award for the coolest Australian girl I know. I loved living with you, running with you, and getting to know you! Thanks for trusting me to drive your car on the wrong side of the road! Hope you’re enjoying your cheerleading T-shirt!
Ben, Brandon, AJ, and Zach
You guys succeeded in becoming the closest thing I’ve ever had to brothers. Thanks for always looking out for us, and making every experience together that much better! Ben’s dance moves, Brandon’s smile, AJ’s bursts of random singing, and Zach’s Jewish references were icons of everyone’s time in Australia.
EVERYONE I met in Australia made such a difference in my time there. I’m so thankful for every relationship formed and every laugh shared. I don’t think I could have wished for a more perfect group of people to make my semester abroad the best semester of my life. I miss you all and look forward to the day when we’re together again!
