The Test of Distance

As we get closer and closer to finals, the levels of stress seem to increase exponentially. Not only do we have exams to take, papers to write and projects to finish but for some of us, we have to say goodbye to our friends for a while.

I was selected to participate in Notre Dame's study abroad program in Puebla, Mexico this upcoming fall. Before you get all antsy on me, let me tell you that there is no travel warning in place for the state of Puebla nor any of the nearby states. Additionally, I went to India by myself and survived. I can handle Mexico with sixteen of my fellow Notre Dame students, an onsite coordinator and the international students branch of UPAEP, the university where I will be studying. Promise. As I picture in my head the hypothetical devil's advocate conversation, I have a well thought out and supported response for each point. Also, I speak the language! I do appreciate the concern though.

As excited as I am to go to Mexico, I do not want to leave Notre Dame. Several of my friends are studying abroad next spring in London, France and even Japan but after the last day of finals this semester, I will not see them until fall semester senior year! That's 1.3 years! 16 months! 70 weeks! 486 days!

Now, unlike when our parents went to school, we have cell phones, texting, Skype and even Facebook to keep in touch but it still feels as if half of my friends here at Notre Dame are going to vanish! It puts things in perspective. Who would have thought that time would become so precious so quickly? As I approach the halfway point in my time here at Notre Dame and see seniors that I've come to be great friends with prepare to leave our Home under the Dome, I can't help but stop and think. How will distance from Notre Dame and from our friends affect us? Which friendships will span the miles and stay strong and which will fade?

Seems like I have a lot to ponder while I'm "paying attention" during chemistry lecture. 

Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?

Dearest reader(s?),

I have been away for far too long. To help catch you up on how wonderfully busy my life has been, I have composed this little poem just for you. I can only hope that my poor attempts at rhyming bring a smile to your face.

As swiftly as the weather,

this spring semester has come together

They started out as six little courses,

but transformed quickly into overwhelming forces.

Campus bloomed with the promise of spring

only to have snow flurries and clouds tightly cling

 Through the clouds, saw one repast 

after forty days sans makeup, my Lenten fast,

Easter Sunday dawned bright and sunny

and the congregation hopped about just like a bunny.

Exams came and exams went 

and still three more this week! Will they ever relent?

Finals approach under spell of darkness,

the end of the semester has come with abruptness.

As I look forward to Mexico next fall,

I cannot stand to wait at all!

But in the meantime there is work to be done

shadowing physicians and archaeology fun!

As for this blog, do not despair

"One post a week" says the optimist, as if in prayer.

For your patience you shall be rewarded,

There are posts to come, I am not to be thwarted.