1. Q: How did you decide to do this?
A: This trip is not something that I have planned to do since I was a little baby. In fact, I had already sent in my deposit to WashU, and requested a non-smoking roommate who's five-word personality summary matched my own. But, while dosing in and out of sleep on the way to play lacrosse at Bainbridge Island, MI's biggest rival, my phone rang. Ari Rubin, a friend of mine from Chicago, was on the phone and said that his school's acceptance form encouraged students to take a year off before attending. This conversation would send me in an entirely different direction than the future I had envisioned all four years of high school. When I got home later that evening I sent a letter to WashU's dean of admissions to see if they defer enrollment. The dean was encouraging and said deferment would not be a problem! My dad was super cool with the idea. My mom on the other hand... Now just seemed like a good time to go. A whole year without worries another time in my life may be hard to come by because of one or more of the following: jobs, major, schoolwork, family, some lucky girl, and who knows what else might come up.
2. Q: How are you paying for the trip?
A: I've earned all the money for my first trip this summer by pressure washing and pizza delivery.
Pressure washing - I knock on random houses and convince them that their driveway, patio, or deck looks terrible with all the moss and that pressure washing is a must. Twenty five percent of people believe me. So, every two weeks I go on a door-to-door spree to get several jobs to keep me busy while I'm not delivering pizza.
Pizza Delivery - Chris Black got me this job. Who would have guessed it? Only kidding, I love you Chris. I've been delivering pizza for Sahara pizza (one block from my house) all summer. Its a super chill job and my boss is 18. I just read the paper in the sun and occasionally deliver a pizza while listening to book tapes. Those of you who know me well know I love "reading" book tapes. The best lifelong skill pizza delivery has gained me is the art of friendly small talk for one purpose only: getting good tips!
Now I'm saving up for a second adventure when I get back!
3. Q: Are you going back to school?
A: I'm pretty sure I am. At least I don't need to reapply next year. That should help.
4. Q: What are you doing after you get back in February?
A: Either going on a second trip or work on a business idea I have (more info later). I want to go to South America.
5. Q: Where are you staying?
A: Zero Idea. Hopefully there are hostels everywhere we go.
6. Q: What are you taking with you?
A: Packing list coming soon... I'm taking a 35L backpack and myself...
