Au revoir, Minneapolis

"The time has come," the Walrus said. "To speak of many things: Of shoes and ships and sealing wax. Of cabbages and kings and why the sea is boiling and whether pigs have wings." 

I could have never asked for more out of a college experience; the last four years have been quite the ride. I have learned American Sign Language, taken horse-back riding lessons and coached a St. Paul Catholic School public achievement class. The Mall of America has been my local mall, I have become a little more "Minnesota nice" and experienced negative 50*.  I was welcomed into the Jewish Community and got involved in the Greek system. In fact I was a part of the transition of Sigma disaffiliating with nationals to re-charter the Alpha Iota chapter of AEPhi. I have learned more about myself and others in the last few years than I ever thought possible. Yet as I walked across Northrop Hall's stage I realized that earning my diploma is only the beginning. I am proud of who I am today and what I have to show for the last four years. 

Tomorrow I will close this chapter and embark on a new journey. I have decided to take a few months to live in France with John. It has always been a goal of mine to learn French. I also hope to do some marketing for a company there; behold the power of networking. My mom and Charlie went to a seminar in Florida and told me to get in touch with this man they met who has a company in Paris and needs some marketing help. Through e-mail and phone calls alone we're trying to set up an agreement that will allow me to take 20 hours of French classes a week while working for him. I'm excited to have this opportunity and look forward to the adventures it brings. 

The most important thing I've learned from my travels has been to keep a journal. In the age of social computing I figure I should take advantage of trying new things and try my hand at blogging. This way not only will I be able to journal about my adventures but also share my story with my family and friends. 

Here's to the end of one adventure and the beginning of the next. 

Au revoir Minneapolis,  

Lizzie