It probably would not also hurt to get killer grades and make your parents proud of who you have become! I know I try everyday, that's what happens when you have 3 other brilliant sisters you just have to beat! Healthy competition between friends or family can really make a difference in you!
Now last week I told you all about how I became an alternate and then won a scholarship that changed my life. Well for the next part of my adventure . . .
Shortly after winning, summer rolled around, which really meant the next time I will be in school I will be in Italy. Now for all those readers out there wondering how I will manage, I have actually had tons of help from Rosetta Stone! (That's really all I have done this summer) Even though when I get there I will probably forget everything I have learned and try so hard to act everything out... Thank goodness I took Drama club and know something! (Thanks Ms. Roman, Mrs. Hand, and my awesomely talented drama club members) Anyway, my Italian is getting better, but learning a new language is like learning how to drive a car blindfolded. Very difficult.
So recently I got my passport and had to go through the process of getting my visa. A visa really just helps you stay over in a country if you have a purpose. Mine, studying abroad but you all know that! :) So for PA I had to spend 3 crazy long hours driving to Philadelphia, PA. I seriously slept most of the trip, it was sooooo early! Once we got to the beautiful visa building we had to wait forever for my appointment. They were so backed up and I felt like I was the last appointment. I was kinda surprised when I got there, two other AFS girls (Kara, & Katie) were also waiting for there appointments. They are both going to Italy too, can not wait to spend time with them in Rome! Talk about the crazy fun that will be!
I was so glad for the delay actually, I got a chance to redo my application that I messed up so badly on. Oops! Can't blame me can you? The paper(s) were practically written in another language, and so hard to follow! I suggest if you have a visa appointment to go to, do the application way before the night of the appointment!
The best part of the visa appointment was sight-seeing after! I could not believe it when my smart Dad told me the Library Bell was right next door . . . Like wow! I would never have known that! If you have ever watched Nicholas Cage in National Treasure 1 you would know they filmed there at Independence Hall. I could see the movie playing out in my head at that point, and therefore I took a million pictures of the building and the bell!
Wrapping up now.... Of course if you are in Philly, you should eat a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, delicious! We also got to meet a very poor homeless fellow who told us some stories. After this I realized we as a nation should help those in need more, and he was very needy! He passed us 7 times while we were just eating... Prey for those in need, they always need more help ... Well that's how I got my visa, maybe one day I will read your blog about how you got your visa! (For those daring enough to travel for school!) Trust me, those out there that need the extra boost, this is a perfect option! You will only be as smart as the schooling you receive!
Also wish me luck, its about 11 days till I go to New York and start this crazy adventure! Till next time my readers ~ XOXO Brystal ~
THIS WAS IN Philadelphia
THE CEILING OF THE VISA OFFICE
LIBERTY BELL
THE SKY LINE FROM THE 6TH FLOOR
