Off to Sea The World - Alma Mater

86 Days

Less than 100 days until I set sail. Around the world.

That is one of the most scary yet exciting statements I've ever said. Never in a million years would I have thought that one of my semesters in college would be spent traveling to 12 different countries on a ship with hundreds of other college kids. It's definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

I've gone back and forth so many times wondering if this is the right decision for me. That maybe I should skip the opportunity and save the money. And then I flash forward 50 years to when I'm 70...telling my friends "I was offered the opportunity to sail around the world but declined....no big deal right?..." I could just see their mouths drop...who in their right mind would decline an opportunity like THAT?! Money doesn't grow on trees. But an opportunity to sail around the world doesn't come around too often either!

So here we are. Less than 100 days. Visas have been applied for. Work study app was sent in. Passport has been received. Countless other forms signed, sealed, and delivered. I knew that the process of preparing for SAS would be long. But seriously...with 86 days until we disembark, I already feel like it's crunch time. 

-I need to get vaccines and malaria pills (that apparently literally make you insane)

-STILL have to write a proposal for a self designed thematic sequence (which can't occur until the official SAS syllabi are posted November 1st)

-I have to start packing (God knows how I'll fit everything into two duffel bags)

-Class registration

-Mail updated transcript (Sorry for the lower grades last semester SAS, I believe that's your fault for brainwashing me and making me obsessed about SAS everyday...)

-Physical forms

-Oh wait what about- What am I doing in EVERY country?!? (Is there a "winging it" club on board?)

-Flight and hotel reservations

& probably 500 other things I've forgotten about....oh yeah like paying tuition by Oct 31....or before that?...I should probably check that date...

A side note on Visas: I used Pinnacle. Yes it may have been slightly more expensive. But knowing they have worked with SAS for many years prior to my voyage gave me much needed comfort. I knew I couldn't possibly get everything done on time by myself. Having another company do it would probably have worked too. But knowing that Pinnacle knows they're dealing with SAS kids and visas makes me happy : ) Once I get my visas back along with my passport, I'll really be a happy camper...err sailor!

Swiped from fellow SAS '11, Alexa Rae
: )

257.19.54.40

So I haven't written on here in forever. I moved SAS to the backburner for a little while and perhaps left it back there too long. Time to start thinking about it again!

I realized that I REALLY need to talk to the financial aid office...before the semester is over (which should be interesting fitting in with exams). That sounds scary. I know it will be worth it but the cost frightens me at times. It's a good investment for my future though.

I also realized that I REALLY need to talk to an advisor to get transfer credits worked out. And my self designed thematic sequence. And proposal. And I need to go to an info session. And I need to figure out what SAS classes I'm taking. And I need to write my essay on work ethic to see if I can get a job. Lord. What HAVE I been doing??! I guess I'm just overwhelmed.

I'm so excited to start researching where I want to go in all these countries. It seems like there will be so much I want to do/see/go that it will just be one amazing adventure after another.

It's a blast connecting with other SAS'ers on Facebook and seeing where their from and having quick little fbook chats with them. I can't wait to actually meet these people who share my passion to see the world. I feel like we already know a little bit about each other through the connections we've made on facebook. Its awesome.

I told my friend the other day that we could only take two bags and a backpack. Her jaw dropped. Yep it should be interesting. Can't wait to wash my clothes in a tiny sink. And possibly not have clean clothes for a few weeks. Seriously though. I really can't wait.

76 days ago, THE most amazing guy walked into my life. Chris and I have thought about SAS and distance and the difficulties it presents....going from phone conversations everyday to email everyday (I promise!!) will be a hard switch. But we have the distance now, and we're an amazing team and I know without a doubt that it will be just fine! I love you.

257 days and the adventure begins.

Changes

SAS took a week off of our trip.....hopefully that means the price will be reduced because its partly based on fuel cost and quantity used. No more Honolulu for me : ( and we leave earlier in January as well.....oh well

The Countdown Begins!

Less than a year from now we'll be setting sail! Destination: the WORLD!
Its so exciting to see more and more SAS'ers be accepted into the Spring 2011 program! Its going to be amazing!

A New Start

It's a new beginning, a new decade, and the perfect time for change. Do something you've never done before. Meet new people. Explore the world around you and live every single day to its fullest potential. There's a huge world out there and it needs to be appreciated, taken care of and loved. Make this year the best yet by starting now. Be positive, be yourself, and take time to enjoy the simplest pleasures in life. Explore. Dream. Discover.

392 days until SAS Spring '11