Friends, family, strangers on the internet, here is the question and answer session that no one asked for, but perhaps secretly wanted. Over the past few months as I have shared my news with the people in my life, I have inevitably been asked a multitude of questions. Some are fair enough, wondering about my … Continue reading Frequently Asked Questions
Category: predeparture
Sitting Tightly
I am waiting. For the past two years, I feel as though my constant state of being has been "waiting." Waiting for the right time to apply to graduate school, waiting for applications to open, waiting to find out a decision, waiting to receive a visa, and waiting to leave. I have been stuck waiting … Continue reading Sitting Tightly
A Sign from the Universe (Recounting my Graduate School Decision Timelines)
The cat is officially out of the bag. In just a few short weeks, I will be flying across the pond to begin graduate school at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. As I mentioned in my previous post, I am hysterically excited. When I started chronicling my graduate school application process, I had … Continue reading A Sign from the Universe (Recounting my Graduate School Decision Timelines)
Oops I did it again (Where in the world have I been?)
Strictly speaking, I did not like Britney, play with your heart and get lost in the game. But, I did fall victim to my unfortunate MO of writing somewhat frequently for a while and then going on an incredibly long and unexpected hiatus. For that, I can only apologize, offer some weak explanations, provide an … Continue reading Oops I did it again (Where in the world have I been?)
Cambodia will be Different
I leave for Cambodia in a matter of days, and my heart cannot stop racing. I am excited, nervous, confident, and terrified all at the same time. There is no doubt in my mind that this journey I am about to embark on will be challenging, liberating, and life-changing. But despite all of these, more or less, positive … Continue reading Cambodia will be Different
Why I Chose to Volunteer Abroad
When people find out that I am not just going to Cambodia, but will be volunteer teaching and working at an NGO, things go wild. I am swarmed with questions and find myself in a state of constant defense and explanation of my decision. Why are you volunteering? Are you getting paid? Can't you get … Continue reading Why I Chose to Volunteer Abroad
Shots, Shots, Shots
Unfortunately this post is not about my adventures with alcoholic beverages. If that is what you were hoping for, take a peak at my post about when I went to a Ceilidh in Bathgate or when my friend Katie and I got drunk on a Boat in Estonia. No, this post is about all the … Continue reading Shots, Shots, Shots
Slightly Haphazard Preparations
When I looked back at my blog and realized that over a month passed since my last post, I felt quite guilty. I have no excuse other than a complete and utter lack of motivation to sit down and write, mixed in with the desire to enjoy the holiday season and avoid my computer for … Continue reading Slightly Haphazard Preparations
How to Fall in Love with Cambodia
Over a year ago I wrote a post called "How to Fall in Love with Scotland." High on pictures of castles, fairy pools, and Kate Middleton, I was in love with Scotland before I even arrived. For any one who has ever been to Scotland, it is easy to understand the appeal of this beautiful country. … Continue reading How to Fall in Love with Cambodia
I Have a Confession
When I decided to take a leap of faith and make plans to travel to Cambodia for six months, I felt empowered. After months of feeling like an imposter and a failure, this provided some much needed relief and confidence. However the more I started planning and preparing for my impending departure, the more the … Continue reading I Have a Confession
The Traveling Smith 