Tash the Translator?

So I contacted my future fellow interns and they are so nice and welcoming!Dema is Girl 1 and Guy 1 is Jim, they have both responded to my email and seem excited to have me join them. I'm so glad they are friendly, not that I assumed they wouldn't be, but I didn't know what to think. If you are interested in learning more about them please see my facebook wall for Jim's post or Dema's comment to the post below.

In my message to them that I told them that I had spent two months in Mexico and have now been appointed the group translator since I, apparently, speak more Spanish then either of them. Dema did not tell me what other languages she speaks, but Jim speaks French. That will be interesting seeing as how I have not had to converse with anyone in Spanish since August 2009. I hope my broken Spanish is good enough to stay out of trouble. And for all of you reading who know me, please refrain from the jokes about my Spanish. I feel I can get by if need be...and by "if need be" I mean if there is no other option and my life more-or-less depends on it, juts kidding I'll be fine. Luckily, I have two hour and a half Spanish classes, so I can only hope that over the next 5 months I will become fluent.

In other news, my name is apparently Tash. Jim informed me that they, he and Dema, named me (the unknown roommate) Tash earlier this week. They have discussed what I will look like and my personality. I don't know if I look like a Tash, but I hope I live up to any expectations they have of her.

I can't wait to meet my new roomies! Not that they will replace the lovely Lauren Nicole Lightfoot or incredible Erica Mae Beal, but I am looking forward to it.

BTW-if you are enjoying reading my adventures to Chile check out Jim English's blog http://snakesurprise.wordpress.com/

The Decision

I think the last time I was so excited was when I was accepted to Georgetown, and yes I know it's four+ years later, but I still remember that moment and screaming at the top of my lungs in my house. This time, however, I was jumping around the streets in Chicago like a child in a candy store when I read the email that my life was about change, only since I am not a child I was getting very confused looks.

So to be honest, I don't know if I'm crazy or sane, but either way I'm taking this chance. Yesterday, I decided to move across the world for the next 5 months. I had an interview last week and then I found out I was the newest intern. I have never heard my father so nervous as when I told him that I was leaving next week, his voice was shaking and he just said "As a father I'm excited and nervous". It was sweet, but also a tad sad. I don't want them to think I am leaving them, but their little girl is growing up and facing new challenges and new choices. My mother asked me "are you sure you don't want to stay here and work on your career?". My response was a confident NO. I knew I would always regret this if I did not take the chance...so I'm diving off the high board and moving next week. Wish me Luck!!!

BTW- I learned about the other interns, whom I will be living with, below are their short bios.I don't know where I am going to fit in...After reading their info, I'm clearly the odd man out. Oh well! That just makes it more exciting.

Girl 1: Greek born in Zimbabwe, grew up in many countries including Pakistan, Russia and Belgium, just graduated from university in Scotland

Guy 1: australian who has worked in China, India and most recently in Kenya

Guy 2: Chilean but grew up in the united states, martial arts expert, Kinesiologist and Personal Trainer.