Monday, July 29, 2013

Introductions

So I'm figuring that some people may not have been following my travels since the beginning, so I've decided to make an introduction post. Think of it as an "Ariel: the basics" post.

I am currently 18 years of age. I will be taking a gap year with NSLI-Y; more specifically I will be travelling to Morocco, living with a host family for 9 months and studying Arabic (MSA) in a school there. Last summer (summer of 2012) I participated in another NSLI-Y program. I went to Oman (Muscat) for just under two months, lived with a host family, and attended a school to learn Arabic. I will be going to Tufts University (go Jumbos!) in the fall of 2014.
I don't think I had ever thought of taking a gap year when I was younger. I had always envisioned myself as a person who would go straight from high school to college, almost impatient to start a new life and learn what I was truly interested in. However, during high school the "study abroad bug" bit me. I went to a Chinese Immersion K-8 school, and as our eighth grade trip, my class went to China for a month. This was my first study abroad experience. I don't know what prompted me to apply to NSLI-Y again this year-- maybe it was my love for Arabic, my subconscious need for an adventure, or simply because I was ready to do something as a completely independent person--whatever it may be, I am very glad that I did apply.
As of right now, I want to study Political Science and International Relations when I get to Tufts. Politics has been an enormous part of my high school career and life as a teenager. I know what you're thinking.."oh she's just another naive college student thinking she can change the world and become the next president". Perhaps I am that naive girl, but even if I am, I know that our country needs more of these, so I do not take your judgement as offensive, in fact, I embrace it with open arms :) I am, however, open to changing my mind. Maybe in these 9 months abroad I'll fall in love with another major and decide to pursue that. Whatever I may choose to study, you can rest assured that I will devote my body and soul into studying it and making something of the knowledge I will acquire.


So I think that concludes my "Ariel: the basics" post. I have given you a short run down of my life so far..and I promise to keep you updated.

Until next time!

3 comments:

  1. Ahh Thats great
    looking forward to read more

    But Please change the background from Brown to Some light color. A humble request from a reader

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there. Since you're one of many (aka like 3) who has asked about a color change..here you go. I hope this works better, although it does remind me of split pea soup...

      Delete
  2. i am sorry if i've hurt your feelings..

    It look like almond to me

    ReplyDelete