My blog went well for about...2 years. Then, it seemed to fall off the face of the earth. Or did the writer of it fall off? I know I didn't. So maybe my blog did. I just returned to Richmond from a white weekend in Southwest Virginia and it was wonderful. I was able to catch up with family that I hadn't seen in nearly seven months.
I haven't updated in quite a while, and figured I would let everyone in on the happenings in my life. I sent a mass email to all my family and friends in mid-August giving an update on myself. I will kind of-sort of recap on that, and tell what has happened since.
After traveling and working in an orphanage in the Dominican Republic for a month this past summer, I headed to California for my 3rd summer with CTY. It was fun, as always. After CTY, I relocated to Richmond, Virginia. That is where my email left off...
I was hired with Wachovia as a teller the day I arrived in Richmond but couldn't start training until September. In the later part of August, I began working at Red Robin as a server to make some easy cash. For those who live in Southwest Virginia and have only seen commercials for Red Robin, it is a nice burger restaurant that has become a rather large part of my life in Richmond.
I was not happy with Wachovia from the day I started. To keep things simple, I have to say that the people you work with and/or are supervised by make or break a job. Well, that kinda broke my job at Wachovia. Luckily, I have great managers at Red Robin who were willing to help me out and give me more hours if I gave up the bank. So, a few weeks ago, I made the decision to resign from Wachovia. I wasn't supposed to be working the bank. Everyone who knows me knows that I want to do something with airplanes. Whether it is become a pilot, flight attendant, plane watcher, custodian at the airport...I don't care. I just want to be around planes. I decided that by resigning from Wachovia, I would have some extra time on my hands I could use to pursue a career in aviation. And, that's just what has happened...
I have two job opportunities lined up. The first that came along...flight attendant with Republic Airways. I am attending a session that includes an interview in Washington, DC on January 6th. Republic Airways operates a number of regional airlines (US Airways Express, United Express, Frontier, etc.) but I would get to travel a ton! Being a flight attendant would be fun, but the pay is kind of bad.
The second opportunity is what I'm really hoping works out...last week, I was contacted by JetBlue. I had submitted my application around two months ago about a customer service position at the Richmond airport. I honestly thought they had sifted through applications and brushed mine to the side...but I guess not! This coming Wednesday, I have an interview for a customer service position with JetBlue at the airport. I am so excited! From what I've read and heard, they are the best airline to work for and I'm hoping it works out.
Other than that, I have to say I have made a few new friends in my move to Richmond and my travels this fall. Now that the bank is out of my life, I have more time to spend with them and I like it. It is making my time here in Richmond more enjoyable. Last Tuesday I fixed breakfast for about 15 or so of my Red Robin co-workers. I like to cook for people, and I like visitors. So, it was a joyous occasion.
Want me to cook for you? Let me know when you're coming and it'll be ready! Until next time, I'll leave it at that.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Hola!
I guess you can say I've failed. I promised a few weeks ago that I would keep everyone on top of what is going on in my life, but I haven't. I'm nearly three weeks into my 3.5 week stay in the Dominican Republic and I have yet to update my blog and let everyone know how my trip is going. I apologize.
I arrived here what seems like just yesterday. I have to say I enjoy this country much more than Ecuador. The people are, in my opinion, much nicer. I've been trying to think of the best way to do this post, so I think I'll divide it up into different aspects of my life here.
Where I live: I live in a home with around 20 other guys, and one lady. It is one of the two homes that make up Villa Bendicion, an orphanage in the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Here at this home, the guys range in age from 12-25 or so. At the other home lives all the girls, and the younger boys. I share a room with two more awesome volunteers from Oklahoma, and one of the guys who live here. We have a bathroom which we share with Karen, the lady I would refer to as the house mom. On the toilet, there is no seat so I have become a pro at balancing myself on the rim of the commode while attempting to use the bathroom. There is no shower head, so water spurts from a hole in the wall. And, there is no hot water. It may sound rough, but it actually is not. It is part of life here. Even though there are these issues, the bathroom is kept extremely clean, which is awesome. We have wireless internet here, which was a big suprise to me. It is pretty awesome because there is an office with three computers so all of the guys here have access to the internet and stuff.
La Ciudad de Santo Domingo (the city of Santo Domingo): the city is great. The driving...not so great. I have begun to get a thrill out of running across the road and trying not to get hit by cars. The streets are dirty, but what can you expect in a city? There is a mixture of people. I can't really describe a Dominican person. Many are of African descent, while many others are Latino or Latina. The city is located right on the Caribbean Ocean. One of the routes we take to the other home each day is a sidewalk that runs along the coast. It is great to feel the ocean spray as we walk.
What I do each day: The first week or so varied. We spent those days cooking lunch for all the kids at the other home, which is where we do all of our work. We would leave here around 8 each morning, walk for 30 minutes (about 2 miles) to get to the other home, and then cook until around 1. After lunch, we would just spend time with the kids. Their school ended on June 3rd so since then we have been conducting a summer camp. Now I wake up around 8 and we leave here around 9 or 9:15. We get there and break up into our groups. I am a group leader for the youngest of the kids (2 years to 7 or 8). It is great. We do group activities (read a story out of a Spanish kids bible, dance, sing, etc.) then of the evenings we usually do a group activity. This past week we watched three movies and two days we had a water day which included water hoses, water balloons, and lots of getting wet.
Weather: it is in the low to mid 90s here each day. The humidity is insane. I sweat all the time. Not joking, I think I've lost anywhere between 15-20 pounds since I've been here. I drink a lot of water, but I don't pee hardly at all because I sweat out all of the water I take in. It rains once every two or so days. Sometimes it comes rather intense thunderstorms. The power goes out regularly (once every day or so.)
Non-categorized stuff:
-The theater here costs 50 pesos (around $1.25) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so we go to the movies really often.
-I get angry when taxi drivers assume I want a taxi because I'm American.
-My Spanish is improving. I can actually have somewhat of a conversation with some of the kids.
-I like the people I work with.
-I like ice cream.
-We go to church on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The church services last anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours. They are quite exhausting, but fun. I enjoy the music, but I can't understand any of what the preachers have to say.
Now that I've gotten this long post out of the way, maybe a few more will follow. Sorry there are not any pictures up, but the internet here is not fast enough to upload pictures. I will do so as soon as I get to California. I leave here at 7:15 on the morning of June 19th (a week from today)! I fly from here to Miami, where I have a stupid 5 hour layover, then I have a 6 hour flight from Miami to San Francisco. I am spending the night in San Jose, CA, on the night of the 19th, and meeting up with the CTY folks on the afternoon of the 20th. As you all know, spending my summers at the camp in California has become one of my favorite things to do, so I am really excited about that.
Until then, Zach will leave it at that.
I arrived here what seems like just yesterday. I have to say I enjoy this country much more than Ecuador. The people are, in my opinion, much nicer. I've been trying to think of the best way to do this post, so I think I'll divide it up into different aspects of my life here.
Where I live: I live in a home with around 20 other guys, and one lady. It is one of the two homes that make up Villa Bendicion, an orphanage in the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Here at this home, the guys range in age from 12-25 or so. At the other home lives all the girls, and the younger boys. I share a room with two more awesome volunteers from Oklahoma, and one of the guys who live here. We have a bathroom which we share with Karen, the lady I would refer to as the house mom. On the toilet, there is no seat so I have become a pro at balancing myself on the rim of the commode while attempting to use the bathroom. There is no shower head, so water spurts from a hole in the wall. And, there is no hot water. It may sound rough, but it actually is not. It is part of life here. Even though there are these issues, the bathroom is kept extremely clean, which is awesome. We have wireless internet here, which was a big suprise to me. It is pretty awesome because there is an office with three computers so all of the guys here have access to the internet and stuff.
La Ciudad de Santo Domingo (the city of Santo Domingo): the city is great. The driving...not so great. I have begun to get a thrill out of running across the road and trying not to get hit by cars. The streets are dirty, but what can you expect in a city? There is a mixture of people. I can't really describe a Dominican person. Many are of African descent, while many others are Latino or Latina. The city is located right on the Caribbean Ocean. One of the routes we take to the other home each day is a sidewalk that runs along the coast. It is great to feel the ocean spray as we walk.
What I do each day: The first week or so varied. We spent those days cooking lunch for all the kids at the other home, which is where we do all of our work. We would leave here around 8 each morning, walk for 30 minutes (about 2 miles) to get to the other home, and then cook until around 1. After lunch, we would just spend time with the kids. Their school ended on June 3rd so since then we have been conducting a summer camp. Now I wake up around 8 and we leave here around 9 or 9:15. We get there and break up into our groups. I am a group leader for the youngest of the kids (2 years to 7 or 8). It is great. We do group activities (read a story out of a Spanish kids bible, dance, sing, etc.) then of the evenings we usually do a group activity. This past week we watched three movies and two days we had a water day which included water hoses, water balloons, and lots of getting wet.
Weather: it is in the low to mid 90s here each day. The humidity is insane. I sweat all the time. Not joking, I think I've lost anywhere between 15-20 pounds since I've been here. I drink a lot of water, but I don't pee hardly at all because I sweat out all of the water I take in. It rains once every two or so days. Sometimes it comes rather intense thunderstorms. The power goes out regularly (once every day or so.)
Non-categorized stuff:
-The theater here costs 50 pesos (around $1.25) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so we go to the movies really often.
-I get angry when taxi drivers assume I want a taxi because I'm American.
-My Spanish is improving. I can actually have somewhat of a conversation with some of the kids.
-I like the people I work with.
-I like ice cream.
-We go to church on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The church services last anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours. They are quite exhausting, but fun. I enjoy the music, but I can't understand any of what the preachers have to say.
Now that I've gotten this long post out of the way, maybe a few more will follow. Sorry there are not any pictures up, but the internet here is not fast enough to upload pictures. I will do so as soon as I get to California. I leave here at 7:15 on the morning of June 19th (a week from today)! I fly from here to Miami, where I have a stupid 5 hour layover, then I have a 6 hour flight from Miami to San Francisco. I am spending the night in San Jose, CA, on the night of the 19th, and meeting up with the CTY folks on the afternoon of the 20th. As you all know, spending my summers at the camp in California has become one of my favorite things to do, so I am really excited about that.
Until then, Zach will leave it at that.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Life of a Graduate
Yes...it's been a while. Many things have changed since I last updated this blog. Mainly, I am now a college graduate. I was sitting here in Myrtle Beach with some of my friends and a thought came to mind about my blog. Now that I am not in constant contact with many of the people who I regularly talked to, I figured it would be best if I started my blog back to keep people informed of what is going on in my life.
I have some extensive plans ahead. Currently, I am living out of my car...which is parked in Blacksburg, Virginia. My best friend Colton came from Arizona for my graduation. After exploring Virginia for a few days, doing graduation stuff, and then visiting some more of Virginia, we headed to Ohio. I spent a couple days in Columbus with some friends and then headed south to Virginia Tech. After attending the Virginia Tech graduation, we headed down here to Myrtle Beach.
I'm burned...I tend to be like every other person who has lighter skin and lays in the sun just hoping today is the day I will get a tan. I didn't. I just got red. I'm here until Friday.
A week from today (next Tuesday), I will be flying to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. It's kinda scary, but my plans are not in stone yet. I talked to a man in the DR today who is setting me up with a place to live and such. I should hear back from him sometime tomorrow about where I'm gonna be working and living and stuff.
I am flying on June 19th from the Dominican Republic to San Francisco to spend another wonderful summer in Santa Cruz working for CTY. After returning from California in August, I will be moving to Richmond and living with my friend Tarah. I will be working (hopefully a state or a federal job) for a while and saving money to attend flight school.
I will be keeping the blog up to date, especially while I'm in the Dominican!
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
I have some extensive plans ahead. Currently, I am living out of my car...which is parked in Blacksburg, Virginia. My best friend Colton came from Arizona for my graduation. After exploring Virginia for a few days, doing graduation stuff, and then visiting some more of Virginia, we headed to Ohio. I spent a couple days in Columbus with some friends and then headed south to Virginia Tech. After attending the Virginia Tech graduation, we headed down here to Myrtle Beach.
I'm burned...I tend to be like every other person who has lighter skin and lays in the sun just hoping today is the day I will get a tan. I didn't. I just got red. I'm here until Friday.
A week from today (next Tuesday), I will be flying to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. It's kinda scary, but my plans are not in stone yet. I talked to a man in the DR today who is setting me up with a place to live and such. I should hear back from him sometime tomorrow about where I'm gonna be working and living and stuff.
I am flying on June 19th from the Dominican Republic to San Francisco to spend another wonderful summer in Santa Cruz working for CTY. After returning from California in August, I will be moving to Richmond and living with my friend Tarah. I will be working (hopefully a state or a federal job) for a while and saving money to attend flight school.
I will be keeping the blog up to date, especially while I'm in the Dominican!
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Breakeven, Twitter, and Volcanoes
It has been a couple of weeks since I last updated my blog so I figured I would give you an update. Weekend before last, I went to Virginia Tech to visit my friends there. On Saturday night, I shut the top of my computer. On Sunday, when I opened it, I had the blue screen of death. Being in college and trying to save money for pilot school, I decided not to buy a new computer just yet. I figured I would make a list of my thoughts because I no longer feel like typing in paragraph form.
-My computer in the Student Government office also contracted a virus...which makes me mad.
-I am sick of the snow. It is pretty, fun to play in, and relaxing, but it is ridiculous.
-I had an excellent weekend that consisted of sleigh riding, movie watching, good friend, and a lot of doing nothing. It was quite great.
-I have watched the movie Volcano twice in the past 18 hours.
-
-I would like to experience a volcano eruption.
-I now have twitter. Click here to go to my page. You should make one too.
-I like my schedule this semester.
-I have a good song for you.
Take the time, listen to it, and enjoy your day. I know I'll enjoy mine.
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
-My computer in the Student Government office also contracted a virus...which makes me mad.
-I am sick of the snow. It is pretty, fun to play in, and relaxing, but it is ridiculous.
-I had an excellent weekend that consisted of sleigh riding, movie watching, good friend, and a lot of doing nothing. It was quite great.
-I have watched the movie Volcano twice in the past 18 hours.
-
-I would like to experience a volcano eruption.
-I now have twitter. Click here to go to my page. You should make one too.
-I like my schedule this semester.
-I have a good song for you.
Take the time, listen to it, and enjoy your day. I know I'll enjoy mine.
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Life in My Hands
I sit there waiting. Sometimes I can sit there for hours on end and it not ring. Sometimes I can sit there and have five calls in a matter of three hours. Either way, it's a waiting game. Although in this situation, I don't know what I'm waiting for. Well...I do know what I'm waiting for. I'm waiting for the phone to ring. But, when it does ring, I don't know who will be on the other end of the line. Will it be a 20 something guy who feels like he has no purpose in life and is contemplating suicide? Will it be a 50 something lady who has just lost her husband and needs someone to talk to? Will it be a 16 year old girl who called to tell me that her dad just raped her? Honestly, I never know what to expect. I have to be prepared for everything.
Working a crisis hotline can be challenging, but sometimes I just can't explain how rewarding. Many times last semester I would ask myself, "Zach, why are you doing this?" I never could figure out the answer...as many questions I have are left unanswered. But I have figured out something about myself during my time at Emory & Henry. I have an earnest desire to help other people. I have to do it somehow...so why not help other people by helping them solve their various crises?
As I was driving back from my 8:30-12 crisis hotline shift a few minutes ago, I thought about the depth of our job. We look at doctors and others in the medical field and we talk about how they hold other peoples lives in their hands.
It didn't occur to me until tonight that when someone calls and tells me they're contemplating suicide and they have a gun sitting in front of them, I am holding their life in my hands.
It didn't occur to me until tonight that I may finally be comfortable with that. I may actually be able to help them.
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
Working a crisis hotline can be challenging, but sometimes I just can't explain how rewarding. Many times last semester I would ask myself, "Zach, why are you doing this?" I never could figure out the answer...as many questions I have are left unanswered. But I have figured out something about myself during my time at Emory & Henry. I have an earnest desire to help other people. I have to do it somehow...so why not help other people by helping them solve their various crises?
As I was driving back from my 8:30-12 crisis hotline shift a few minutes ago, I thought about the depth of our job. We look at doctors and others in the medical field and we talk about how they hold other peoples lives in their hands.
It didn't occur to me until tonight that when someone calls and tells me they're contemplating suicide and they have a gun sitting in front of them, I am holding their life in my hands.
It didn't occur to me until tonight that I may finally be comfortable with that. I may actually be able to help them.
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Eli, The Barrow Boy
I have come to realize over my past years here at Emory & Henry how much stories mean to me. This is all kinds of stories...books, stories of my past, stories of my family, stories of strangers. All kinds of stories. I learn most from hearing and reading stories.
Listen to the story of Eli, the Barrow Boy.
Thanks to my best friend who had me listen to this song.
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
Listen to the story of Eli, the Barrow Boy.
Thanks to my best friend who had me listen to this song.
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
I Just Haven't Met You Yet!
Yes. I've slacked once again. I updated on the 2nd of January about my New Years. My trip to England and Ireland was great. During the time we were in Ireland it came a massive ice storm and the public transportation system (buses, airport, etc.) completely shut down. It made for an interesting time but we ended up getting out of Ireland on time and getting back to the US.
The past week has been busy. I began my last semester of college. I actually have some great classes this semester. I have my senior seminar class for my major, Politics & Public Policy, Statistics, International Communication, and an independent study called Memory, History, and Place. I'm really gonna enjoy my work while at the same time looking forward to graduation and heading off to pilot school afterward.
Hopefully I'll have a more meaningful update in a couple days. I'm gonna be reading some great books this semester so I hope to let you in on some of my thoughts with those.
Until then, I'm gonna leave you with a little tune. I heard it the other day and I think it is funny as it kind of explains my love life I suppose. I've always been a fan of Michael Buble and this is one of the first upbeat songs I have heard from him. Enjoy it!
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
The past week has been busy. I began my last semester of college. I actually have some great classes this semester. I have my senior seminar class for my major, Politics & Public Policy, Statistics, International Communication, and an independent study called Memory, History, and Place. I'm really gonna enjoy my work while at the same time looking forward to graduation and heading off to pilot school afterward.
Hopefully I'll have a more meaningful update in a couple days. I'm gonna be reading some great books this semester so I hope to let you in on some of my thoughts with those.
Until then, I'm gonna leave you with a little tune. I heard it the other day and I think it is funny as it kind of explains my love life I suppose. I've always been a fan of Michael Buble and this is one of the first upbeat songs I have heard from him. Enjoy it!
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Lessons, Memories, and Hopes
Since I've been in England the past few days, it probably hasn't been appropriate for me to think about the past. I should be focusing on my time here. I promised one of my friends I would quit thinking about the past so much...but I found it only appropriate to update my blog with my best times and memories of 2009.
Early in the year of 2009, I found myself extremely busy. In addition to starting some challenging classes, I was reapplying to work for CTY in Santa Cruz again, plan a giant road trip with my best friend, and figure out the logistics of going to Ecuador by myself! The semester went by quickly and it was time for me to go to Ecuador.
I can't really explain what I learned about myself on this trip. I learned that I adapt easily...I went to a country where I didn't even speak the language and I was able to...go with the flow I suppose. I learned much Spanish. I may be able to have a conversation now! I learned how much I love to travel and experience new places and at the same time I learned how much I like to do this with my friends. I learned to always carry an empty wallet with a $5 bill in case I get mugged (which I did). I learned to appreciate and interpret art because when I would visit art museums I couldn't read the captions by the pictures. I learned what it was like to be homesick. In general, Ecuador was a learning experience for me.
As soon as I got back from Ecuador, I turned around and left for my cross country journey. It began in Chicago. I headed off to a city where I had never been before. I was able to appreciate everything there. It was a memorable three days.
Next came me and my best friend Colton hopping on an Amtrak for a 60 hour train ride! I learned many things on that train ride. After passing through many states we ended up in Tucson. It was the first time I had ever visited the desert. I learned here how hot the desert was, how easily I get dehydrated in 100 degree weather, and I discovered only one beautiful part of the United States. More beautiful parts were to come.
After spending a few days in Tucson, we headed north and west into California. We visited Los Angeles where I learned how rediculous money is, how great it is to see family who I don't get to see often, and how American society has turned materialistic objects into status symbols. Despite this, it was great to visit a part of the country I had never visited before. After a day or two in the OC, we headed north towards Big Sur. Along the way we visited a few universities and beautiful coastal towns. Arriving in Big Sur may have been my favorite part of the summer. I had never experienced anything like it. Colton and I sat on the beach one night under the fog covered sky, stared out at the churning Pacific Ocean, and took in the situation. It was here I learned to appreciate nature. It was excellent to feel being away from society for a few days and I felt like we were at Big Sur.
Leaving Big Sur a couple days later, we headed north to Santa Cruz where we spent the next 7 weeks. Again, this past summer, I learned how to have patience with teenagers. I also learned how much of an impact people my age have on teenagers. Working at the camp for CTY in Santa Cruz was important to me once again, as I made new friendships and was able to build on the friendships I already had. In the mix of all this was a random, awesome trip to RENO!, a visit to Napa Valley, and many other little side trips. This whole time Colton was helping me prepare myself to hike to Half Dome in Yosemite.
After leaving Santa Cruz, we headed to Yosemite with Colton's brother Lance and his friends Bryant, Clark, and Cameron. It was perhaps the most memorable part of my year. From camping on top of a mountain, to driving down a cross country ski-slope and having to build a road, to climbing a 4000 some odd foot ascent to Half Dome, to camping in a beautiful part of the country, to driving through the hottest part of the United States (Death Valley), to losing $125 in the video blackjack machines in Vegas, to seeing who could collect the most "escort" cards from the streets, to having a few drinks and spending my evening playing Bingo with the elderly folks. Looking back, all I can say is, "Damn! We had a good time." I find myself thinking back on that trip a lot. It was an experience unlike others, and I made some awesome friends along the way.
A few days later, I found myself saying goodbye to the west and heading back to Virginia. The past semester consisted of my first semester as Student Body President, an internship on a crisis hotline, and learning more about myself. I have learned that I need to pursue my passion...therefore I'm going to go to pilot school! That is probably going to be the most exciting part of 2010. I am looking forward to not looking back as much, and looking forward to what is coming in the future and what I have right now.
So, looking back on 2009, what did I learn? I learned a lot and I feel like I summed it up rather well above. So, what do I want to do in 2010? Here it goes:
-I want to become a pilot.
-I want to worry less about what other people think of me.
-I want to become an accomplished graduate of Emory & Henry.
-And, I want to spend much more time with my close friends and learn more about who they are.
Here is something for you to think about:
When you go through life, you learn many things about yourself, other people, and the world. We gain knowledge. What is your duty to the knowledge you have?
Goodbye 2009.
Hello 2010.
Bring it on.
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
Early in the year of 2009, I found myself extremely busy. In addition to starting some challenging classes, I was reapplying to work for CTY in Santa Cruz again, plan a giant road trip with my best friend, and figure out the logistics of going to Ecuador by myself! The semester went by quickly and it was time for me to go to Ecuador.
I can't really explain what I learned about myself on this trip. I learned that I adapt easily...I went to a country where I didn't even speak the language and I was able to...go with the flow I suppose. I learned much Spanish. I may be able to have a conversation now! I learned how much I love to travel and experience new places and at the same time I learned how much I like to do this with my friends. I learned to always carry an empty wallet with a $5 bill in case I get mugged (which I did). I learned to appreciate and interpret art because when I would visit art museums I couldn't read the captions by the pictures. I learned what it was like to be homesick. In general, Ecuador was a learning experience for me.
As soon as I got back from Ecuador, I turned around and left for my cross country journey. It began in Chicago. I headed off to a city where I had never been before. I was able to appreciate everything there. It was a memorable three days.
Next came me and my best friend Colton hopping on an Amtrak for a 60 hour train ride! I learned many things on that train ride. After passing through many states we ended up in Tucson. It was the first time I had ever visited the desert. I learned here how hot the desert was, how easily I get dehydrated in 100 degree weather, and I discovered only one beautiful part of the United States. More beautiful parts were to come.
After spending a few days in Tucson, we headed north and west into California. We visited Los Angeles where I learned how rediculous money is, how great it is to see family who I don't get to see often, and how American society has turned materialistic objects into status symbols. Despite this, it was great to visit a part of the country I had never visited before. After a day or two in the OC, we headed north towards Big Sur. Along the way we visited a few universities and beautiful coastal towns. Arriving in Big Sur may have been my favorite part of the summer. I had never experienced anything like it. Colton and I sat on the beach one night under the fog covered sky, stared out at the churning Pacific Ocean, and took in the situation. It was here I learned to appreciate nature. It was excellent to feel being away from society for a few days and I felt like we were at Big Sur.
Leaving Big Sur a couple days later, we headed north to Santa Cruz where we spent the next 7 weeks. Again, this past summer, I learned how to have patience with teenagers. I also learned how much of an impact people my age have on teenagers. Working at the camp for CTY in Santa Cruz was important to me once again, as I made new friendships and was able to build on the friendships I already had. In the mix of all this was a random, awesome trip to RENO!, a visit to Napa Valley, and many other little side trips. This whole time Colton was helping me prepare myself to hike to Half Dome in Yosemite.
After leaving Santa Cruz, we headed to Yosemite with Colton's brother Lance and his friends Bryant, Clark, and Cameron. It was perhaps the most memorable part of my year. From camping on top of a mountain, to driving down a cross country ski-slope and having to build a road, to climbing a 4000 some odd foot ascent to Half Dome, to camping in a beautiful part of the country, to driving through the hottest part of the United States (Death Valley), to losing $125 in the video blackjack machines in Vegas, to seeing who could collect the most "escort" cards from the streets, to having a few drinks and spending my evening playing Bingo with the elderly folks. Looking back, all I can say is, "Damn! We had a good time." I find myself thinking back on that trip a lot. It was an experience unlike others, and I made some awesome friends along the way.
A few days later, I found myself saying goodbye to the west and heading back to Virginia. The past semester consisted of my first semester as Student Body President, an internship on a crisis hotline, and learning more about myself. I have learned that I need to pursue my passion...therefore I'm going to go to pilot school! That is probably going to be the most exciting part of 2010. I am looking forward to not looking back as much, and looking forward to what is coming in the future and what I have right now.
So, looking back on 2009, what did I learn? I learned a lot and I feel like I summed it up rather well above. So, what do I want to do in 2010? Here it goes:
-I want to become a pilot.
-I want to worry less about what other people think of me.
-I want to become an accomplished graduate of Emory & Henry.
-And, I want to spend much more time with my close friends and learn more about who they are.
Here is something for you to think about:
When you go through life, you learn many things about yourself, other people, and the world. We gain knowledge. What is your duty to the knowledge you have?
Goodbye 2009.
Hello 2010.
Bring it on.
Until next time, Zach will leave it at that.
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