Who's Ready for Some Adventure?

Welcome to my journey—my journey around the world and to self discovery. That last sentence is probably the most cliché thing that I could say, but in this instance, I believe it is totally acceptable because this Spring, I will travel abroad with Semester at Sea. If you’re not familiar with the program, Semester at Sea is a unique study abroad experience where students from all over the country take classes on a ship—aka the MV Explorer—while simultaneously circling the entire globe.  Along the way we stop in some pretty exciting ports. I call SAS a unique program because everything we learn in our classes while onboard will coincide with whatever country we go to next. For example, say I’m taking an economics class on the ship (thank goodness I’m not). As we travel to China, my economics class would shift focus specifically to the economy of China, and when you get there, the information you learn from class comes alive.  Cool, huh?
     
Well, you have not joined me in the beginning of this process, but that’s not such big deal. I’ll do my best to fill you in on what’s been going on so far. I won’t do it all at once but don’t worry; you’ll be caught up in no time!
     
Surprisingly, I first heard about Semester at Sea when I was about nine years old. I was secretly addicted to MTV at the time and they aired a show called Road Rules. Long story short, one particular cast of Road Rules went on Semester at Sea. Believe it or not, this show really left an impression on me. After seeing all of the different cultures and experiences that these students were exposed to on their travels around the world, I formulated a new dream within me: to see the world for myself.
     
Years later, sometime during my freshman year of college, Semester at Sea made another cameo in my life through my friend Emma. On a lunch date she informed me that she had applied for a summer voyage and then we couldn’t stop talking about how cool it was. After that I did my own research on SAS. I looked at the website constantly in my free time, attended study abroad fairs, read blogs from past SAS-ers. Despite the financial stress, SAS seemed possible for me, it seemed right for me.
Skipping to the present, I’ve applied, been accepted, and taken numerous steps to sail on the Spring 2011 Voyage. It’s been a tough process so far, but one that I know will pay off in the end. Here’s a little piece of my application essay that I want to share:
    
“I believe that I will learn the most about myself when I am out of my element. Through Semester at Sea, I hope to completely immerse myself in a new situation that will help me grow as an individual, as a student, and as a broadcaster. By stepping outside of my comfort zone, I will have a better understanding of, not only the world, but of myself. I strive to wake up each day with an excitement for life and discovery. And Semester at Sea provides the ultimate wake up call.”
     
I am so excited to step out of my comfort zone and see the world, and I want to bring as many people along for the ride that want to, through this blog :]

~Anna

p.s.  I am a recipient of the Diversity Abroad Scholarship. Special thanks to Gretchen Bies for helping me find my inspiration. 
Here's my video essay: