Blog 1: About Myself and the Start of My New Adventure

Hi! I'm Kasia! 

I am a girl that is always open to new things, no matter how funny or serious it may be! I am always determined to reach the highest point in everything I do, especially in school. I always aim to get straight A's and participate in as many activities as I can, as long as it all fits into my schedule. Here at North, I was on the Girls' JV Tennis Team this past season, and now take part in many, many clubs and activities, including Theater (working on this year's musical)...  And just now, I joined the Girls' Track Team... Even though it wasn't long ago that I just joined this school, I have so many new memories that are too much for words! Outside of school, I go to polish school every week on Saturdays and have been learning ballroom dancing for about 7 years or so... working hard and achieving my dreams at the same time! My life is so full of experiences and new things, it would take years to explain everything... :) I am always looking forward to learning something new, whether it's at school, on the tennis courts, on stage, or the dance floor...

But when it comes to traveling, I can't be more than excited to see the next day!

When I first heard and saw that there was an Australia and New Zealand trip being hosted by my very own school, I couldn't help but feel a "tinge" of excitement run through my body, from my head to my toes. After a while of thinking and deciding, my parents and I finally made the choice to sign up and take the risk of stepping into the memory of a lifetime! I've always loved to travel! And even though I travel a lot around the country, and have been out of the country several times, landing on two feet in a continent across the globe, exactly opposite of where I live... Well, it would be a dream come true! I always saw people talking about Australia on TV, or remember reading books about Australia, too. As a small girl, to honestly say, I have always thought what it would be like to actually be there in person. And with this once-in-a-lifetime trip on the tip of my fingers, who would want to pass up such an amazing opportunity? Not ME!

Traveling can always help bring many new excitements and twists to an adventure. By flying to the opposite end of the world to Australia and New Zealand, I hope to learn a lot of new things I never knew before, all by studying abroad! I want to learn about the culture of the people; what they eat, how they act, and how they travel from one end of the city to the other. I want to see the differences of various things compared to where I come from... I also want to realize that by traveling, it's far more interesting to see things you've never before seen, especially if you're standing right in front of it, looking at it with your own two eyes!

I've heard so many things about Australia and New Zealand, it's too much to grasp it all in one hand. However, there were always certain things I looked forward to seeing, if I ever had the chance. And now that I do, I can look forward to it! Not only do I want learn and see the culture of the people, but I also want to see the wildlife. I've always wanted to see koalas and kangaroos in person, and explore the Great Barrier Reef! This may seem a little odd, but whenever I heard the word "Australia", the picture of the Australia Opera House came into my mind and view. Not only am I excited for the sights themselves, but I also can't wait to the longest plane ride I have ever been on! I heard it's about 18 or so hours long... That would be a record for me! 

So now, since I am a couple months away from actually standing in Australia and New Zealand, these are some of the things interest me and I look forward to on the trip!

There are many reasons why learning about where you are going before actually going there can improve your traveling experience! I personally think that by doing this, you will know what to expect on the trip, not necessarily assume everything about it (by reading books or something). By knowing specific things, you will be able to look at things more open-minded... You will actually enjoy it a lot more, rather than stressing and complaining that "you haven't seen this, or haven't seen that". You will know a little bit more about where you are going, and then the only thing you have to worry about, is "to smile and live it"!

By doing just that, I will be able to live every moment of every day in Australia and New Zealand!