First Chapter of Summer

  So, a lot has happened in the past few days that I thought I should post about; and I have decided that I put off updating my blog long enough. I always have the intentions to update, but somehow it never really happens.  (And part of that is because I didn't want to write about all that has happened...sorry!)

School has been out since June 13th; and it was a little weird having my school friends hug me goodbye, and hearing my teachers wish me luck for my adventures in Finland. But at the same time, I was all smiles as I ran out of those school doors, because to me at that moment it meant I was DONE with all of the hard work I had to do to become an exchange student; and I felt like after all of those hours of studying and classes- I had earned my exchange from all of the school work I had to do to study abroad! I was SO happy, I even took one last picture of my school as I walked away. (As dorky as it sounds...)

One last look at Newberg High School! :)

 

 

 

 

Apart from my last day of school, I also had the last Inbound Party (which was a party for the Inbounds who have been the Exchange Students in Oregon for the 2012-2013 school year in District 5100). Unfortunately, I was only there for a good 20 minutes due to my last dance competition with my dance team; so I came super late and only for a short amount of time. And, unfortunately I have to say it was pretty sad. Ive gotten to know these Exchange Students throughout this year, being an Outbound; and we have become such a big family in District 5100. At all of the events you would always have someone to talk to, and someone to joke around with, and I am happy to call all of them friends. Its literally impossible to feel alone in a room filled with exchange students!

 

I brought small little gifts for the Finnish Inbounds, as little goodbye presents. They have taught me so much about Finland, and have introduced me to the language that I will be learning and speaking all of next year. They have been a HUGE help to me, and it is because of them that I know that Finland is the right country for me to go to as an exchange student. :)

 

I also brought little gifts for the Danish Inbounds and one of the Inbounds from Taiwan, who I have also gotten to know so well during this year. It was sad to give it to them and to quickly hug them goodbye, and say some last few words to them as I would move on to some of the other students I wanted to say goodbye to. It was sad that I could only be there for a few minutes.

 

I hugged some of the other students goodbye; and everyone kept on telling me to put my bag down and to go dance with them- since the DJ was still there. It was really hard for me to tell them that I was just there for a few minutes. I checked my phone, and when I saw that my time was up- I turned around one last time to look at everyone before I left as I started to walk out of the room...But unfortunately that didn't really end well, as I ran back over to hug some of the students for a second time! But, it really was time for me to go, and I ended up walking out of the room backwards because I didn't want to turn away from them. I'm sure I looked ridiculous walking backwards out of a school cafeteria; but hey- if it works, it works; right? :)

 

Its sad now seeing all of my foreign friends going back home, but at the same time I am SO happy that I had the chance to meet them; and I promised some of my good Rotary friends that I would come visit them, and that this was only a, "See You Later." (Which I hope is true.)

 

 

I guess this post turned out more of a mini-novel than I had hoped for...But I guess now you know why I didn't want to take the time to write about it. Ill try to update as interesting things arise. ;)