10 days later

I've officially been in the United States for 10 days and so much has happened already. I rushed back to Pennsylvania to spend time with all my old friends and then graduated from Penn State on Saturday. It still hasn't hit me that I am a college graduate. Everyone was right though, no one really understands my semester at sea experience, but I don't blame them. It's one of those things you just have to experience for yourself. While at Penn State I ran into a friend of a friends who did SAS Spring 06 and when we saw each other we immiediately hugged, for the first time ever. We were never friends, but it was like the SAS experience brought us closer, even though we were on different voyages. My friends and family are both sick of me talking about SAS and I find myself calling my ship friends to talk to them about little things that remind me of places we've been to. I can't wait til July when they all come out to see me. I love them all and feel a little empty without them, but I know I still need more time for adjustment. As for my real life back in the states, I plan to spend the summer in State College with friends and then this is tentative, but I may be moving to nyc in the fall for an Americorps position. In the meanwhile, Ill be applying for dental school.

Before I close this blog, I appreciate everyone who has read up on it. I know there are people out there who read this and we probably have never met, but thank you for taking interest in my journey around the world. By far, it was the most amazing experience of my life til now and every second was worth every penny. I love SAS, all the crew members for all their hard work, all the faculty and staff, and all my peers. God bless all of you on your journey in life. I am so happy I got to spend this 4 month dream with all of you!