The Call

Today, I received the greatest news of my entire life. I awoke like I would any other day and attended school. Afterwards, my friends and I decided to get together to go to Rita's, the local Italian ice shop. It is the first day of spring, and every year we go because it is free. My parents called me while I was out questioning when I would be home, and I told them I would be soon. They usually never bother to call and trust that I will always be home at a reasonable hour, so I was on edge. Several hours later, I walked through the front door, and my mom immediately ran down the stairs. She had a telephone in her hands and said it was a volunteer with AFS. They wanted to speak with me so I took hold of the telephone.

"Hi, is this Bailee?"

"Yes, this is her."

"Hello. I have been given the great honor and privilege to call three people and inform them that they have been awarded the Speedwell Study Abroad Scholarship. You are one of them. Congratulations!"

Several months previous to this day I applied for the Speedwell Study Abroad Scholarship which offers 30 students in the central Pennsylvania area the chance to study abroad free of cost. Today, I got offered that opportunity. When I hung up the phone, tears started welling in my eyes. I was still uncertain whether or not I wanted to pursue being an exchange student, but as soon as I was awarded the scholarship, I knew that it was what I was destined to do.

The Start of Something New

My first blog post signifies the beginning of my adventure as I become an exchange student through AFS Intercultural Programs. It is a non-profit organization that offers international exchange programs in countries all over the world to help better one's understanding of other cultures. I first heard of this program from a friend of mine in school, and I immediately knew I had to get involved. Traveling the world has always been a dream of mine so I am beyond blessed to have been given the opportunity to do so during my junior year of high school. I am looking forward to sharing each and every moment with all of you!