Christmas has come and gone, I've gotten a nice little break from work. I've seen a few people I haven't seen in a long time, some I know I'll see again, others I'm not so worried about. Things have changed so much. Being back at home is when I realize that everyone has gone in their different directions and are living their lives how they want to.
My Mom surprised me by booking my flight to NZ, as well as the flight from Miami to LAX. This was a huge help, I love her and could not thank her enough for helping me get to where I want to be. The most exciting part about this is that I don't have a return flight yet! haha I've been joking with her that I may not be coming back. : )
I have been trying not to research things too much and instead am focusing on getting all of my visa application/passport ready and mailed to AustraLearn, so that they can actually stamp my passport with the visa. I'm also working on typing up a thank you letter, and am looking into giving a presentation to the Rotary Club or some other philanthropic organization in the Naples area.
My Dad also ordered my luggage, and that should be arriving sometime in early January. I've started to think about what I'm packing and realize that I want to keep it very minimal, as I may want to bring back a few souveniers!
Speaking of souveniers, if you are reading this blog regularly, even if we're not close or I don't know you well, please email me at rscottwaller@gmail.com with your mailing address.
As far as personal plans for the new year, I reluctantly had to turn down an offer to go to Atlanta and watch the 'peach drop' with some of my friends from Stetson. Instead I'll be able to save money by staying at home and watching the ball drop in the living room. Although I regret this, its a small price to pay to save a few hundred dollars and I will definitely make it up to my friends next year. New York City New Years '10 anyone?
If there is anyone actually reading this, thank you. I know its really boring as of right now, believe me I KNOW! haha, but hopefully things will start to be more interesting in the next two months!! : )
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Last all-nighter at stetson
Somehow it seems fitting that on one of my last nights here at Stetson I would be up until dawn working on a paper and studying for an exam. I need a break so badly, even if that break means going home, working, and getting into a more solid routine.
I'll be home on Thursday, starting work on Monday and attempting to find something to do on the nights and weekends. I'm sure there will be plenty of friends to see and catch up with when I get back. Also, I'll be sure to give you all some more information about the University and classes I plan on taking. All of that to come when I get a little more free time from finals.
As far as planning for New Zealand, this is what is on my current "to-do list".
Finish up the application for my student visa
apply to more scholarships
book my flights through STA
buy all the necessary stuff that will get me there and back and in between.
The main items I'm looking for are:
luggage (One large roller suitcase and a dufflebag)
backpack (probably Northface?)
small digital camera (Canon Elph?)
winter-y clothes that will get this Florida kid through a winter
If anyone has any ideas on what you think I might need or things that I am forgetting, please let me know. Keep in mind, I'm looking for durable, small/lightweight and CHEAP/FREE!
I'm going to go finish this paper, what happened in WWI, WWII, and the Cold War again?
I'll be home on Thursday, starting work on Monday and attempting to find something to do on the nights and weekends. I'm sure there will be plenty of friends to see and catch up with when I get back. Also, I'll be sure to give you all some more information about the University and classes I plan on taking. All of that to come when I get a little more free time from finals.
As far as planning for New Zealand, this is what is on my current "to-do list".
Finish up the application for my student visa
apply to more scholarships
book my flights through STA
buy all the necessary stuff that will get me there and back and in between.
The main items I'm looking for are:
luggage (One large roller suitcase and a dufflebag)
backpack (probably Northface?)
small digital camera (Canon Elph?)
winter-y clothes that will get this Florida kid through a winter
If anyone has any ideas on what you think I might need or things that I am forgetting, please let me know. Keep in mind, I'm looking for durable, small/lightweight and CHEAP/FREE!
I'm going to go finish this paper, what happened in WWI, WWII, and the Cold War again?
Monday, November 17, 2008
Feeling far away.
The end of the semester is fast approaching. Only about 3 more weeks at Stetson and I won't be in school here for a few months. This is starting to feel weird.
Relatives, friends, and acquaintances keep asking me whether or not I'm really going. I sure hope I'm going, I didn't register for classes here at Stetson, so if I'm not going, I'm certainly not going to be back here next semester.
I probably could've registered for classes as a precaution, but I wanted to jump, and perhaps figure out how to fly on the way down. If by some random chance this trip doesn't happen, (which would render this blog pointless) I will be looking into other options for the next few months of my life.
So starting to think about what I'm fleeing and why, I realize how many things and people I'm going to miss here at Stetson. Everyone in my Fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi who've really helped me grow over the past year, Kaitlin, Liz, Ella, Andrea. All who are some of my best friends here.
I am now in the process of getting the classes I want to take approved by the Registrar's office. Hopefully this will make the transition easier for when I get back.
Coming up: booking flights, buying cold-weather clothes, luggage, a decent backpack, a camera and anything else that I can think of that I may need.
Relatives, friends, and acquaintances keep asking me whether or not I'm really going. I sure hope I'm going, I didn't register for classes here at Stetson, so if I'm not going, I'm certainly not going to be back here next semester.
I probably could've registered for classes as a precaution, but I wanted to jump, and perhaps figure out how to fly on the way down. If by some random chance this trip doesn't happen, (which would render this blog pointless) I will be looking into other options for the next few months of my life.
So starting to think about what I'm fleeing and why, I realize how many things and people I'm going to miss here at Stetson. Everyone in my Fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi who've really helped me grow over the past year, Kaitlin, Liz, Ella, Andrea. All who are some of my best friends here.
I am now in the process of getting the classes I want to take approved by the Registrar's office. Hopefully this will make the transition easier for when I get back.
Coming up: booking flights, buying cold-weather clothes, luggage, a decent backpack, a camera and anything else that I can think of that I may need.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The reason this blog is here; catching you up.
New to the realm of blogging, aside from thumbing through the pages of Tim Ferris' "four hour work week" blog. The reason behind this is simple, I will be studying abroad in New Zealand starting February of 2009! I decided New Zealand was the perfect place for me to study abroad a few months ago when researching the programs available over the internet. I cannot tell you how helpful AustraLearn has been in helping me realize this dream.
Lately I've just been finalizing my application, was recently accepted to the University of Auckland. I am now in the process of selecting classes that will transfer to my home university, Stetson, in Deland, Florida. They are being expectedly beurocratic about the process. I am confident that all of the signatures(professors, deans, presidents, administrators), applications, and time spent on stamping and licking postage will be worth it in the end .
To be honest, I am ready for a break from Stetson. A change of scenery and people would be a good release for me to collect my thoughts and figure out what exactly I'm doing here. I have so many expectations that I know will be warped when the reality of it all sets in, but I guess thats what this is all about.
If you've heard about this blog, from me, a mutual friend, or an acquaintance, know that I want you to be here. This was the only way that I could think to bring you along. I appreciate any help or advice that you may have before, during, and after my time abroad, and hope that we might both learn something about each other and ourselves through my experience. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
An Official Thank You for all of your support,
Scott Waller
Lately I've just been finalizing my application, was recently accepted to the University of Auckland. I am now in the process of selecting classes that will transfer to my home university, Stetson, in Deland, Florida. They are being expectedly beurocratic about the process. I am confident that all of the signatures(professors, deans, presidents, administrators), applications, and time spent on stamping and licking postage will be worth it in the end .
To be honest, I am ready for a break from Stetson. A change of scenery and people would be a good release for me to collect my thoughts and figure out what exactly I'm doing here. I have so many expectations that I know will be warped when the reality of it all sets in, but I guess thats what this is all about.
If you've heard about this blog, from me, a mutual friend, or an acquaintance, know that I want you to be here. This was the only way that I could think to bring you along. I appreciate any help or advice that you may have before, during, and after my time abroad, and hope that we might both learn something about each other and ourselves through my experience. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
An Official Thank You for all of your support,
Scott Waller
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