Preparation. Finals and papers and presentations, oh my. My life was becoming clouded with assignments asked of me. With so many hours of work ahead, I was preparing myself to permanently reside in Belk Library for the remainder of the year. Third floor’s quiet confidentiality allowed my stress to be anonymous. Its quietness paired with its huge, white chairs compliments my attempts at studying just right. “Starting Sunday,” I promised myself, “it’s Belk time.”
By the third missed call I received on that Sunday morning before one of the last weeks of the semester, I put my phone on silent so I could squeeze out the last bit of sleep I could enjoy before this promised “Belk time.”
Finally calling Kelley back, I thought we were going to talk about preparing another visit to Virginia Tech University to see Ryan yet again. We were always talking about that because our first visit was just so much fun. I can’t believe Ryan actually convinced us keeping ESPN on was actually a relaxing way to fall asleep. I should have gotten him back by saying it was tradition to clean your host’s room when visiting Elon University. This would have stood for another perk of his visit. Kelley’s shaky voice on the other line when she picked up changed my mind, though. We were preparing another type of visit.
Preparation. I’ve been preparing myself for situations all my life. Preparing for college was the most difficult. I always put a lot of emphasis on leadership opportunities in high school- becoming Secretary then President of Spanish Honor Society was a great one. Editor- in- Chief of the Yearbook for two years and Student Government Association were other opportunities I realized and valued. One of the greatest efforts I put into preparing myself for something was fixing my class schedule and lifestyle to fit that of an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate. A challenging course based on academic rigor and global compassion, I spent my entire high school life preparing for a successful, collegiate, “real” one.
This diploma plunged me into a global awareness. Having my history and science papers sent off to Rome or London or Switzerland for grading, I’ve been accepting the values of education of other countries my entire academic career. Under this diploma, my membership of extracurricular activities followed. Having the opportunity to complete a combined total of 150 hours of creative, academic and service activities, I started seeing the worth in being a prepared person in as many situations as possible.
Over the summer before coming to Elon University, I started unpacking my luggage full of promise. I was named the first National Teaching Fellow. My preparation in high school, I will always believe, did a wealth of good in my life. Being an involved, aware student set me up for this humbling honor and I cherish it greatly.
Preparation. I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Applying to eight colleges, I put down different majors to each- journalism, education, political science and on. I left it up to fate to decide from these because I figured whichever major was to be my defense would be made by whichever university I chose to be my offence.
When applying to Elon University, I landed on education. I always did enjoy teaching my cousins to tie their shoes. When interviewed to be a National Teaching Fellow, I thanked my preparation.
Preparation. Here I stand as an International Baccalaureate Diploma graduate and National Teaching Fellow due to preparation and many answered prayers. Extending my elementary education major, studying abroad became available. London, I knew, was supposed to be my experience.
London is home to my history, future and educators that graded my high school papers. It’s full of untapped life and underrated opportunities. Ancient and gothic, the capital of the United Kingdom still attracts fond people. It intrigues me to know this European country is so different from that of the United States, architecturally and socially, even though we speak the same language.
As a major global city, London has been marked as a high investor in fashion, business and education. Education is where (ding, ding, ding) my attention sparks. Studying on a campus in proximity to the Tower of London, Palace of Westminster and St. Margaret’s Church, how will I go wrong? I’m preparing myself to do well. Representing all that I have become, I’ll find my own third floor Belk Library to get grades that proved I learned. I also plan to contribute to its community through service as well as tour the city, country and on. As a National Teaching Fellow, I may even go back to teach.
I also write this essay to prove, though I’ve studied hard and been fortunate enough to receive wonderful opportunities such as the International Baccalaureate program and Teaching Fellows, I cannot prepare myself for absolutely every situation I will encounter.
When Kelley told me Ryan died on that Sunday morning, I lost my balance and myself. Three days of living a whispered life, I laughed for the first time today. Ryan was my best friend and he helped me through a lot. I think about him all the time now and this essay is not an exception. I thank him for humbling myself to understand that there are situations and times that you will be unprepared for. London, therefore, will have an open minded and hopeful hearted me.
I will not take the opportunity for granted.
I will extend my educational philosophy and values.
I will enhance my education through international study.
I will meet and love new people.
Most importantly, I will be able to look forward to something I wholeheartedly believe as being a great opportunity.
I can’t wait to one day tell Ryan how amazing the experience was and how much he kept helping me.
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