SAS Quick Update

Hey guys! I just found out some more good news about Semester at Sea this fall. Another student going, Cameran, and I are flying together and splitting a hotel room in Halifax before we depart on the ship. I am super excited because I have never flown before! We leave bright and early from Louisville, KY at 6:30 A.M., arrive in Newark at 8:30 A.M., board another plane at 12:00 P.M., and finally arrive in Halifax at 2:52 P.M. I will definitely have to do my research before I go, so I will know the weight limit for my baggage, local restaurants and shops to buy any last minute items, and what the weather will be like, so I can dress appropriately. I should also mention that our hotel is amazing! We are staying at The Westin Nova Scotian, located right in the heart of Halifax. I have included a picture below. I cannot wait to leave!
Stay tuned! More is soon to come.

SAS (Semester at Sea) UPDATE!

Things are going much more smoothly than I had ever imagined! After calculating every expense included in my study abroad trip, and neatly arranging it all into an excel worksheet, I know exactly how far away I am from having everything paid for and settled. The good news is that I am only about $3,000 away! Last night, I found out that I have received a Merit Scholarship for $1,500 and a Need Grant for $1,500 from SAS! Then, this morning, I checked TopNet and found out that I had received a Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant for $650! At the beginning of this process, the comprehensive cost of about $27, 000 seemed extremely daunting. How could I ever afford to go?! With patience and prayer, everything has fallen into place and I could not be more excited and thankful that I have this wonderful opportunity to see the world. I will continue to keep you posted! P.S. Only 30 more days until this picture becomes a reality!

Semester at Sea

The past month has been a whirlwind of paperwork, applications, and deadlines. On June 16, I received a life-changing e-mail from the Assistant Director of Academics in the Honors College, Dr. Clay Motley, about an amazing study abroad opportunity for this fall semester. In the message, I discovered that I could participate in Semester at Sea (SAS), studying aboard a ship and traveling around the world to 11 different countries, for a discounted price. Not only was I extremely excited about this experience, but I replied to the e-mail as soon as I finished reading and was speaking to a representative only a few hours later.

Since that day, I have written multiple essays, filed for a passport, taken ten 2 in. x 2 in. photos, visited a handful of faculty and staff for signatures, read many documents, and the list could go on. I have had less than two months to complete the pre-study abroad process, whereas students normally plan six months to a year in advance. When anyone asks how my summer has been so far, I automatically reply with, "Busy," and proceed to a short explanation. I believe it is only fair that I inform you, and everyone reading, what Semester at Sea is all about.

Imagine snorkeling amidst the coral reefs in Hawaii, trekking across the Great Wall of China, walking through the beautiful Taj Mahal, or riding a camel in the Sahara dessert. 109 days, from August 28 to December 14, will be filled with amazing experiences such as these and much, much more. The voyage begins in Halifax, Nove Scotia, Canada, where the MV Explorer will depart. I will have to travel by plane (for the first time) to get there! Every day at sea, including weekends, we will attend classes that accommodate any major, as well as listen to guest speakers from each port. From there, we will travel to Spain, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hawaii, and finally return to San Diego, California. Now can you see why I am absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity?

No other study abroad program will give me the opportunity to see the world in four months while earning 12 hours of college credit! I am beyond stoked for this and I only have thirty-five days until I leave the country! I definitely plan to take hundreds of pictures while I am abroad and to keep you updated on my journey through WKU's blog. Until next time, enjoy the rest of your summer!

Busy Busy Bee

Student teaching is just around the corner. I’ve finished my summer read of Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Bean Trees” and have tried studying for my next two exams of the Praxis. Again, wish me luck! I passed the PLT so I have one down and two to go! My best friend Amy just got a job teaching at Logan County High School and I’ve also been helping her clean and decorate. It feels so great to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully one day soon, she’ll be helping me decorate my classroom.

I’ve been discussing the upcoming semester with my teacher and it looks like I’m going to be teaching Macbeth and a dance unit for Arts and Humanities. I am so excited and I’m not sure where to begin to start planning. I have so many ideas floating around in this little head of mine! Haha! I just know that student teaching is going to be a great experience.

I have met so many other people my age because of becoming a teacher because they are on the same path. We all know we can stick together to learn from each other and vent when things go a little downhill. I’m so happy for all of those who have gotten teaching jobs and hope their first year is a success. As for me, I’ll be reading and planning until I turn blue in the face hoping I get to that point where I’m teaching on my own. After the 5th you’ll be hearing from me about all the different situations I encounter during the semester. Hope everyone is enjoying the end of their summers and if anyone has questions regarding admissions…..please call us!