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| The whole fam at graduation |
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| Missing you both already! |
It's hard to believe that it's finally September. What an incredible summer it has been, filled with adventures and playtime and even a little bit of work thrown in. I finished my classes at Carleton in April and spent the following months working in Faribault, MN with their college access program. Not the most traditional way to spend senior spring, but it was a wonderful way to finish my time in Minnesota. My four years there were better than I could have ever expected, and finishing my time there was certainly bittersweet. It turns out that saying goodbye to the people that have become your family is one of the harder things that I've had to do in a while. My friends are all off to do incredible things and we will be all over the map, in France, China, San Francisco, Northfield, Brooklyn, and many places in between. It was certainly nice when we were all within a five minute bike ride, but I'm excited for the journeys that we have all taken thus far, and the ones that we will continue to take.
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So it turns out that the
Corn Palace in SD is a real
thing, complete with
Cornelius, the mascot. |
For me, this summer has has been one of American exploration and discovery. I may not have spent the whole summer traversing the country on my bike like someone I know, but I went as far west as Yellowstone before eventually heading east towards home. I had known this already, but was reminded this summer what a beautiful place this country is, and how wild and varied it can be.
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| #foxuniverse fiesta! |
At the beginning of August I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks at Camp AmeriKids, where I continue to be awed by the magic that happens there. My favorite camper quote: "There is love at this camp". She was referring to intercamp-cest between some older campers, but it holds true on many levels. My favorite moment: watching one of the youngest boys in my cabin get up during the talent show and act out a mariachi band all by himself. Priceless.
But summertime playtime must come to an end, and up next for me is the biggest adventure yet. I'm leaving on Wednesday to join the Peace Corps in Cameroon, where I will be stationed for the next two years. I'll be working on the "Sustainable Livelihoods" program, but I don't know what kind of project I will be working on yet.
To answer some of the most popular questions:
- Yes, I did have to get quite a few shots. Shout-out to KP for sticking with me on that front.
- I'm not really sure how many people I'm heading out with, but I don't know any of them yet.
- I get to bring 100 pounds of luggage. Clearly not packed yet.
- Yes, they do have internet in Cameroon. Unclear how often I'll have access to it, but it should be occasionally.
- I don't know yet if I'll come back during the course of my service yet. Visitors are welcome though!
- French is the primary language spoken in Cameroon. It might be a bit of a struggle at first.
That's all for now. Lots of excitement and nervousness on my end, but just trying to manage all the logistics and say my final good-byes. Sending lots of love, and looking forward to this new chapter that's coming up.
Casey
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The Grand Tetons are straight-up beautiful. Turns out that they're
also pretty far from Minnesota. Not a problem. |
P.S. I'm still kind of a rookie at this whole blogging thing. For a more eloquent summary of post-graduation feels, check out my girl Marlena's final
blog. Maybe we can get her to start a real-life chapter?
