4 December 2016
6:17 p.m.: My Athens apartment
I left the States questioning every aspect of my life. I felt lost and hoped to have many adventures on this trip, and maybe, if I was lucky, I would find my calling. I am glad to say that I was not disappointed.
I’ve been back for one full week now, and so much about me has changed! Thinking back on all of the things that happened makes my mind reel! There’s my renewed enthusiasm for writing articles and essays (blogging is strange and new to me). I have been ranting to anyone who will listen about what I learned during my study abroad which gave me the idea of what career I should pursue. I am going to look into investigative journalism, but I am going to put a spin on it! I am nervous and excited, but more importantly, I feel awake. It is as though I have just breezed through these past couple of years in a dense fog. I was just going through the motions, but now with the realization that I actually want to and can make a lasting, positive impact in life, I feel as though I am preparing for battle. It is absolutely invigorating!
My diet has also changed. I love love love rice and beans! I can honestly eat it with every meal, and I do have it twice a day. I have not eaten out once since I have been back, and I feel great. Not to mention the fact that I am now an amateur coffee connoisseur giving coffee addiction a new meaning. I am so 
motivated which is incredibly refreshing.
As I sit here on the sofa drinking freshly ground honey processed coffee (my roommate bought me a coffee grinder for Christmas! :D), I can’t help but to tear up at the injustices committed in the coffee market. Honestly, though, what left the biggest impression on me was the fact that although the farmers are getting the short end of the stick, they all seemed to be so content with their lives. It’s because they truly appreciate the meaning of family and are grateful for all of the things that they have. It’s so beautiful! I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is considering it!
I would like to thank UGA and the CAES Academic Affairs office for supplementing one of the most influential experiences in my life with the Dean’s Promise scholarship. Pura vida!
