My Berkeley Family!

I still remember that feeling when I visited Berkeley that first time. It was the summer before my senior year and my mom took me on a trip to get a feel for the schools that I would be applying to in the coming year. Dork that I am, I had a notebook with me and I rated each school and took notes about what I liked etc…. I remember that I gave Berkeley the highest rating from the moment we got there. I also remember second guessing myself quite a bit because Berkeley can be a bit grungy and the city-like atmosphere was extremely intimidating to me. I was so confused about why this school? Why this city? But as many people suggested, “you will just know when the place feels right.” Years later, this place still feels right and every time I go up north I feel like I am coming home.

I spent the last week in nor cal with my friends and Janey ;) and the week could not have possibly flown by faster! I spent a great deal of my time back in my old room from last year, now occupied by my amazing friend Steph.

I caught up with a ton of RAs and just felt loved and supported again. Don’t get me wrong,

I am having an amazing time in Australia and I am excited to see Tellu, Steff, Todd and the rest of the hiking crew when I return but I miss my California friends/family a ton when I am gone. The thought of being gone for another 8 months is kind of daunting!
While in Berkeley I did many things that I have missed: hiked the fire trial with Steph and Anna, went to Chipotle, got rained on, looked at new Cal gear, ran down college, cooked with Kristin and Dan, went to the RSF (the AMAZING gym at Berkeley), ventured into San Francisco, watched Will and Grace with my sis, north side with Madelein and just caught up/ reminisced with old friends. I am really excited because Steph and Anna and Steph’s boyfriend Mike are planning on visiting me in Australia in March!! Woot woot!! :)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I want to thank all of my friends and family that have supported me thus far on my adventure (Australian friends included of course)! I am 1/3 of the way thru and I can’t wait for whatever will come in the future! You all have really helped me get through my occasional homesickness and blues. I hope everyone has an amazing thanksgiving! To conclude on a funny note (and since I couldn’t have said it better myself)……
Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty. ~Michael Dresser