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.
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