Round Two

It's been a while since I've posted on here (almost a year), but that is all about to change. Tomorrow I will embark on a not-so-treacherous journey to Athens, Georgia where I will be spending the next two months helping to facilitate a talented youth summer studies program through Duke University at the University of Georgia (Duke TIP).

To say I am excited is a bit of an understatement. I have been waiting to go back to the place that stole a piece of my heart pretty much since I left last July. (Okay, that's not entirely true. I had a lot of people and things at home that I needed to see and resolve some things with, but after that was settled, I really wanted to go back.) I am eager to grow and learn in new ways than I did last year, especially because I will be taking on a new role as Residence Life Coordinator. (Basically, I will be overseeing the residential portion of the summer studies program at my site.) This will also give me the opportunity to see if I actually want to work in Residence Life as a more permanent position so fingers crossed I enjoy what I am doing.

One thing I need to keep in mind this year is that this is a new summer. We have a new staff, new students, and tons of new ideas. While last year will always have a special place in my heart, including many of the people I worked alongside, I must remember that this year will be different, but not in a bad way. Yes it sucks that many of the people I worked with are not returning to our site, but that does not mean the new people will not be as lovely as their predecessors. I'm sure it will be difficult at first, but I know I will really enjoy working with (and leading!) a new staff.

As excited as I am to leave my home for two months, I am sad that I will be leaving a few people and missing out on a few things. One of the hardest people to leave for two months is my partner in crime, Tess. Though she is not joining me in my journey to UGA, she is, however, starting her own summer with TIP at one of their field studies programs at Duke University. (Field Studies programs are only two weeks long and are meant for students in grades 9-12 whereas Summer Studies programs are for students in grades 7-10 and last three weeks each term.) I am so excited for her and cannot wait to hear her stories.

Aside from Tess, I will be missing my best friends Kristina, Jenn, and Tiara, as well as my friend, Billy, with whom I have recently become quite close. It is going to be weird not spending time with these people every weekend (or in some cases every day *ahem Tess*), but I know that I will be able to keep up with them through the wonderful world of social media.
As for things I will miss: Wawa, the Union, and the ability to drive wherever/whenever I want to in my own car.

It is quite weird to think that the list of people and things I am going to miss for the next two months are much different than they were last year. Last year, I was in a completely different place than I am this year and for the most part, I am quite happy. (It is kind of funny, though, that one of the people I was spending most of my time with about a year ago happened to be a person I spent my evening with, but in a completely different way this time.)

I've had a lovely last few weeks leading up to this moment, including attending the last two Union games (which they won!), and am excited to get away from the North for a little while.

I am planning on blogging throughout my time at UGA again so feel free to pop by and check out what is happening with me and the crazy TIPsters for the next two months. I should be posting at least once per week, but maybe more depending on how much down time I have to do so.

Here's to a second kick-ass and unforgettable summer with Duke TIP at UGA.

My last sunset in PA, courtesy of the back of the Philadelphia Museum of Art