BC students (PC years 35 and 36) at RaceRocks, taken by Mark Kelsey. Spring 2010.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

About a Week To Go


[I love Summer]


Today I signed into blogspot and a huge grin spread across my face. Why was I so happy, you ask? Because I now have 2 followers instead of 0 followers!!! Thank you Pramish and Sandra, you totally made my day.

Well I'm counting down the days. My family and I are planning to hang out on the beaches of Tofino for the weekend before Aug 31 (my official first day). The last couple weeks have been wonderful and filled with joy, laughter, and lots of loved ones. I haven't started packing yet but I'm thinking about it! Anybody have any advice about moving to College?


It's such an amazing thing to watch your dreams manifest before your eyes. I know that sounds cheesy, but I've been dreaming of Pearson College for so long and to know that very soon I will actually be LIVING there....I can't describe how wonderful that is.


Besides being very excited about Pearson, I've been finishing up a documentary on sustainable agriculture for The Land Conservancy (a fantastic organization), putting together a story on finance for co-op radio, watched two dear friends (Sameera and Namrata) dance some stunning classical Indian dance for their graduation, hung out with some friends, saw James Arthur Ray live at a seminar.....so things have been quite busy. But busy in a good sense.


To conclude with some gratitude: I am very blessed to be surrounded by many wise and kind teachers, two incredible parents, an awesome younger brother, loving grandparents & extended family, and so many insightful and fun friends along the way. I couldn't have made it without their support. Thank you for being there.


Lots and lots of love,
Emmy








Sunday, August 2, 2009

Maya Angelou Wisdom


I love inspirational e-mail chain letters, especially when they're from my mom. I decided to post the one below because it gave me a laugh and some important lessons to think about. At Pearson, I'm sure this wisdom will come in handy!













In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70 birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting.' Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such an honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:


"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

---

I hope to continue learning these lessons too. Everyday!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Feelings




Is it weird to feel extremely nervous and excited at the same time? That's how I'm feeling at the moment with...what...

26 days until my family and I pack up my bags and travel down to Victoria!!!!



So much has happened this last week. I have enjoyed fireworks, a radio show, met so many new friends, survived some of the hottest days in Vancouver, ever. At the same time though, I want to hang on to what is familiar and comforting (like my beautiful basement and family). Moving away from home is a big step. A big change. In my books, change allows us to change and grow to become better people.

There are two sides of the coin though - I am leaving the home I have lived in since I was four (pic below) and the parents that I confide in every day will be across the Georgia Strait. What is comforting though, is thinking of all the other students who are travelling ACROSS THE GLOBE to come to Pearson. Suddenly my plight seems much more insignificant.





Also I am blessed to have Zahida along for the ride with me, too. Zahida is from Burnaby, lives probably 5-10 minutes away from me, and went to the same school as my brother! She and I almost screamed over facebook msgs when we found out we had BOTH BEEN ACCEPTED INTO A UNITED WORLD COLLEGE! We have so much in common it's almost eerie. It will be so wonderful having someone at Pearson College who understands me and where I am from, and with whom I can travel with. Right now Zahida is travelling with friends in Palestine and Israel. If you would like to check out what she's up to: http://www.chloeinthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/

The photograph below is special to me because my immensely talented photographer friend, Julia Kozlov took it. We spent a wonderful day at the beach together. It was very relaxing.