this is to clarify all the questions everyone asks me about my trip.
Q.1) Where are you going?
A. I'm studying abroad in Australia and Philippines.
Q.2) Where in Australia?
A. Canberra
Q.3)What? (Weird confused face) What was the name of name of the city again?
A. Canberra, the Capital of Australia. No worries, no body knows that its the capital- everyone thinks it's Sydney.
Q.4) Why did you chose to go there?
A. My Uncle Edo lives there. Funny story. He told me to visit Australia and there was this good university where he lives, called Australian National University. So, I thought Okay sure. Went to the EAP office (educational abroad program) and applied for ANU. I then got accepted. ANU turned out to be one the best research institutions in Australia. I had no idea. I just applied because my uncle said it was close to him.
Q.5) What are you going to study there?
A. My major is Development studies and ANU has a very good South East-Asian studies program. I plan to propose my research there and meet a few professor to help me construct my research field work. Plus, Australia just sounds sexy. =)
Q.6) Where are you going to stay there?
A. I'm going to dorm at APP Burton & Garran Hall for the period of Semester 1 2010 (13 Feb 2010-03 Jul 2010).
Q.7) When are you going?
A. I'm flying out of LAX on Tuesday, January 26th.
Q.8) When are you coming back?
A. That's a tricky question. I got accepted to intern at the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines. So, right when I get done with school in Australia (End of June) I plan to fly to Manila and work there. Then by mid-August. I plan to come back to US for my Senior year at Berkeley.
Q.9) What is going to be your job at the US Embassy?
A.
Ms. Thomas,
U.S. Embassy Manila would like to offer you an internship in the Information section of our Public Affairs Office. The Press Intern will assist the Information staff with compiling electronic summaries, hard-copy clippings, and Media Reaction summaries of editorial comment on issues of interest to the U.S., from the Philippine news media; draft correspondence, media advisories, press releases, and possibly speeches; gather input and information for responses to taskings from Washington; prepare speech transcripts, photos, and news items for posting to the Embassy web site; and take on special projects such as reorganizing press photo archives. When appropriate, provide public affairs/press support at Embassy public events, to include facilitating interaction with the news media for the Ambassador and other Embassy officials.
The housing for interns in Manila has not yet been determined, but will likely be a townhouse shared by more than one intern.
That is all I know so far. I will learn more as the summer draws closer.
Q.9) How does your mom feel about this?
A. My mom sees it as a new place to visit! My sister and I are forcing her to travel. Of course she'll miss her baby, but she realizes it's an amazing opportunity.
Q.10) How do you feel about it?
A. I'm terrified, excited, adventurous, nervous, but most of all, I feel blessed. It's an amazing opportunity to explore the world. I am going to be abroad for 8 months and I know I will sincerely miss all of my friends. But, I know everyday will be an adventure. Nothing is constant, everything changes, mutates, culminates, cultivates, and grows. I hope my personality will too. Humans are migratory people. I feel it's my time to wander and pursue my dreams.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to comment and leave them for me to answer.
