Significant Moments to present

(Not in chronological order or degree of importance)

1) Student exchange trip to France:
- Appreciate diversity (was able to see that each person has his/her own little universe inside their head, molded by culture, family, experiences and randomness).
- I was immersed in a completely different reality.
- I grew up, I matured for it was the first time my family was not around.

2) Un Techo Para Mi País experience:
- Again, diversity. But in this case, it was not that I was admiring the new culture but I felt in shock to see such a precarious reality.
- Burst the bubble, may I add.
- See economic disparity in its worse gown. Social injustice. Have the powerful wanting to do something about this, change this reality but being limited by not knowing what to do and by knowing that even if I do something, it is very possible the effect will not be that great. Frustrating.
- Also felt guilty, in a way.

3) Family Experiences:
- Going to a business meeting with my Dad to Brazil. It was a turning point in our relationship, it consolidated it.
- The meeting itself inspired me to be active in such community and that our generation IS the future of the world - we should not be hesitant to participate.

4) The fifth grade show:
- helped me overcome my first big challenge - actually act (I was a very shy little girl).
- Taught me that by really giving your best, you are rewarded by confidence ! The Head of Drama then told me I should definitely audition for the following year's play - which I did and got a role!
- Thanks to this little event I became hugely involved in theatrical productions.

5)  My trip to Sweden:
- Met family that live on the other side of the world. Made me remember my grandfather, whom I still (albeit that the years have passed) miss greatly.
- Saw a culture so different from mine (even more so than the French culture). They are so respectful and have a different outlook on life. So linked to nature as well.

6) Geography Class:
- Even though it sounds silly, I loved that class wholeheartedly. I smiled every time I knew I had that class. It was always so interesting and illuminating to hear the teacher that knew so much and had lived in so many places around the world.
- What I loved the most is its interdisciplinary nature. We not only looked at physical geography but we also looked at TNC's (Trans National Corporations), Globalization, world trade, etc. This class helped me realize I loved learning about foreign trade and investment and management... my ideal career is international business!

7) Leading a community service group.
- I realized the headmistress of upper school really trusted me in a role of responsibility.

8) My sister's accident (she fell off her horse and then the horse fell backwards on top of her. She broke her hip in 5 locations and has undergone two surgeries and in two weeks time she'll have her third and last operation).
- She taught me a lot about courage and strength. We all have different pain thresholds right? Well, I always considered my sister could feel pain like 10 times worse than I did - yet she went through this experience! I admire her immensely.

I think that's about it.

Fourth of July

So...

1) I have recently returned from an amazing trip to Scotland and the US (Pennsylvania). What more could I ask? Truth is, I was terrified. I was traveling to visit universities and the fact that I was on this trip is that I'm really doing this! Am I ready? Don't think so. But I don't think I'll ever be truly ready to live on my own. Going abroad to study is a fairly common thing to do, but not in my country. I KNOW I want to study abroad; it will help me grow up, become independent and give my life a sweet international twist. I just have to overcome this slightly strong (funny oxymoron) trepidation.

2) I'm thankful that I'm alive and safe back home. I truly am. The flight back to Lima was atrocious; we even went through a storm area (lightning bolts included!). The plane was shifting, jumping, you name it. The sky was pitch black but it would suddenly light up and become red. It was, an experience I should say. Now that I remember this, it sounds quite fun. But believe me, it was not at the moment.

3) I'm grateful that I found a book by Katie Malachuk called 'You're accepted'. It really helps you get stress-free through the admissions process. I recommend it.

4) I'm thankful that medicines and medical attention is completely free in Scotland. I had a little medical emergency (nothing to worry about now!) and I was treated immediately, free of charge. We were more than willing to pay but they refused. I wish this were the case in my country.