I went into the week a little worried, because I was sick yet again (Seriously, I didn't think it was humanly possible for someone to get sick as often as I do) and just really physically tired. I knew how great of an opportunity it was, and I was actually incredibly stoked to go. But at the same time, I had no idea how I was going to get through the week with just a 10-pack of Kleenex, a bottle antibiotics (which didn't work, by the way) and a crap-load of phlegm and sinus infection without scaring away potential friends... faster than usual.
But to my relief, it was a lot easier to deal with than I thought. With all the positive energy and enthusiasm from people, I didn't even notice how tired I actually was. I mean, there was obviously the awkward 2-day period when nobody knew each other and had to ask each other for their names a bazillion times (I was still asking people what their names were on the last day.. Haha). But still, it all made me realize how damn funny people can be sometimes.
It was basically a week of getting to know some AMAZING people (You don't want to get me started on how brilliant these kids are), laughing way too hard and learning. I mean seriously, this past week, I learned SO much. I learned a lot about myself, friendship, people, my country and passion... And not a whole lot about Journalism and Communications.
And to be honest, leaving was hard. The longer I stayed in Ottawa, the more I realized how much I missed it since I left. And I was also just getting used to the patterns that were settling in - like racing to get in line for food, the crappy showers that you had to press every 30 seconds and hope that you get hot water, the plastic beds and pillows, how everyone plays Robot Rainbow Unicorn Attack in the computer room, hearing Dana cussing from all the way across the dorm, singing Solidarity Forever whenever possible (In the words of Jamie: "That song is like herpes. Nobody really knows how bad it is till its spread to you. And everytime its mentioned you cringe in a slight pain and know there's no way its ever going away.") and getting ready in the morning with about 20+ girls fighting over the mirrors. And I can't even explain how great it was to just talk to people about everything and anything. It was surprising how people could just open up so easily and ridiculously wonderful at the same time. My group (YEEAAH GROUP 3!) was like family to me, and my girls (plus Panny) are people who I swear I'm going to keep in touch with for the rest of my life.
Previous EWCers warned me that I was going to cry on the last day, and I thought they were kidding. Then again, apparently, I'm really emotional and it really is no surprise. In my defense, I was doing pretty good. I didn't even crack when I had to say goodbye to my Group 3 family, but as soon as it came to Komal and Dana, it was like fricking Niagra Falls. My sobbing was embarrassing. I hate you kids for making me soft.
Just kidding. I love you guys.
2 comments:
told you.
I was perfectly fine until you gave me hug. I just wrote the first entry in our journal and made a confession ! I never thought we'd become so close that I'd feel comfortable enough to tell you all of the stuff I wrote in that diary. Saturday wasn't the end. It was just the beginning.
"Live a life that demands explanation."
Your waterbottle sits in my kitchen, and for some reason I don't feel like putting it away in the cupboard because it symbolizes me "momming" you !
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