One (Gap) Year Later

This week a year ago I was posting my first blog post on Year of Uitwaaien. It's hard for me to believe that I'm the one that kept this blog up for a year. It's hard to believe that then I was moving into a community of nurses and midwives on the property of the …

My year of education

Since getting home from the last part of my gap year lots of people have been asking so many questions. Some are easy and other require immense amounts of reflection. Like, "Are you glad you did the gap year?" is always an unequivocal yes. But, "Which was the best place you spent time at?" is …

Another Goodbye

Now, in my last week here at Queen of Peace, the end of my official gap year is fast approaching. To quote a favorite author of mine, John Green, "my thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations." Dramatic, I know, but as with all of my goodbyes this one is full of mixed feelings. …

Getting Here Pt. 2

First, let me say, thank you for bearing with me as I explain how I got here. Secondly, I wish you all a wonderfully merry Christmas and joyous holiday season, whatever you may celebrate. There's a small chance I'll post on Christmas or Christmas Eve. We'll see how my gift wrapping schedule goes. Here is …

Getting Here, Pt. 1

When I entered high school my older sister gave me this superb advice: figure out what you want before you start trying to get it. Of coarse, I didn't take her advice to heart very well. But thankfully, through the process of creating this gap year I had my mom faithfully guiding my scattered thoughts …

Holiday Break Volunteering

As I've mentioned and I hope is evident, my gap year is not just me "taking a year off".  That being said, I have noticed a significant decrease in my stress levels compared to this time a year ago.  With Christmas on its way it feels like such a luxury to have the time and …

Job Accomplished?

I've been at home for a while now and this week I'm starting to work at some non-profit organizations near me, so it's time to wrap up what I have to say about Gap Year Part 1. When I left for Texas I made a list of ten things that I felt were important for …

Packing List

The 11 most important things I had with me in Texas: A tote bag for trips to the beach or holding things I didn't know would need a home in my room. My fedora for the days I woke up late for work with some fantastically messed up bed head. Also when I wanted to …

Home Sweet Home

I haven't posted in two weeks because I have been quite busy getting back home to Virginia and then turning right around for a weekend trip to New York City. A week from last Friday I took a plane to Houston where I spent time with my aunt and uncle who generously shared their home …

Gap year doer

After a half day of work on Fridays I sit in front of my computer and look for scholarships for college. Mostly I try to find the sweepstakes kind that require no work, but eventually I'll kick it into high gear. I've filled out many online application forms; you know the kind where you mindlessly …