Hello family, friends, and all those curious souls out there,
This past May I ended the amazing adventure of college when Bill Cosby helped ring in my graduation from Marquette University. Graduation day was one of the best and happiest days of my life. It was long, but so worth it. I worked hard for my degree and the celebration was so much fun. Grandpa, Grammy, Mom, Dad, Sierra, Lukas, and Jae all came down to help celebrate by cheering for me as I felt like a rock star walking across that stage. It was just so much fun. I got a Bachelor of Arts with the majors of Social Welfare and Justice and Journalism. My sash I am wearing represents my the time I spent in South Africa with the South African flag.
This past May I ended the amazing adventure of college when Bill Cosby helped ring in my graduation from Marquette University. Graduation day was one of the best and happiest days of my life. It was long, but so worth it. I worked hard for my degree and the celebration was so much fun. Grandpa, Grammy, Mom, Dad, Sierra, Lukas, and Jae all came down to help celebrate by cheering for me as I felt like a rock star walking across that stage. It was just so much fun. I got a Bachelor of Arts with the majors of Social Welfare and Justice and Journalism. My sash I am wearing represents my the time I spent in South Africa with the South African flag.
These past four years, I really came into my own. I gained many amazing friendships I know will last a lifetime. I am so proud of who I have chosen to surround myself with. I have had so much fun this last year with everyone and loved all our adventures we had. I crossed many things off my bucket list from hosting theme parties to going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, to flying to D.C. for a weekend to protest something I am passionate about; along with many things in between. Below is just snippets of my senior year of all the fun I had. :) (Pics are in no particular order)
My roommates became more than best friends, they became my sisters. We have grown so close over these last four years, I'm sad this chapter of my life is over. These girls are amazing, they will forever be in my life, my kids lives, and my grandchildren will be hearing stories of my best friends. The timelessness of our friendships is already evident. I love you girls! xo
And a special note for the best friend I've ever had, Mel. Mel has been there for me through thick and thin. She uplifts me when I'm down, and celebrates with me on my highs. Our friendship is one of the most special and precious things I have in my life. This next year will be difficult without being able to have our "Bride Day Fridays" or our runs to the grocery store on a regular basis, but I know this distance will only help our friendship grow. We survived me being in South Africa for 5 months, this is just a bit longer. You will kick butt this year in PA school, and a plus side is that I won't be there to distract you with my endless updates of celebrity gossip. ;) Love you best friend!!!! <3 xo
Ok, now onto what most of you are here for; Alaska.
During my senior year, I began to think about my future and what I really want to do. After much thought, prayer, and contemplation, I decided to dedicate the next year of my life to volunteer service to gain more experience in the non-profit world. I really wanted to gain another perspective from another culture. After a ton of research of many different organizations, I found JVC Northwest (Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest) and it seemed like the perfect fit.
After a long interviewing process, I was accepted into the corps and then offered the position at my top choice in Sitka, Alaska at Brave Heart Volunteers.
Sitka is an island close to Juneau, Alaska. It is 4,811 square miles total with a population of around 9,000 people. Sitka has an oceanic climate with "generally cool temperatures, and abundant precipitation."
Sitka is located under the "A" in the photo below, and below that is a photo from Google images of Sitka. (So freakin' beautiful!)
During my senior year, I began to think about my future and what I really want to do. After much thought, prayer, and contemplation, I decided to dedicate the next year of my life to volunteer service to gain more experience in the non-profit world. I really wanted to gain another perspective from another culture. After a ton of research of many different organizations, I found JVC Northwest (Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest) and it seemed like the perfect fit.
After a long interviewing process, I was accepted into the corps and then offered the position at my top choice in Sitka, Alaska at Brave Heart Volunteers.
Sitka is an island close to Juneau, Alaska. It is 4,811 square miles total with a population of around 9,000 people. Sitka has an oceanic climate with "generally cool temperatures, and abundant precipitation."
Sitka is located under the "A" in the photo below, and below that is a photo from Google images of Sitka. (So freakin' beautiful!)
Many of you who are thinking, "why have I heard of Sitka, Alaska?" The answer is probably because you have seen one of my favorite chick flicks, The Proposal. Although Ryan Reynolds character may have said he was from Alaska, they actually did most of their filming in Maine. (bummer) But it's still cool!!
I am less than a month away before I leave for my orientation in Portland, Oregon! I leave for Portland very early August 5th and then up to Sitka on the 10th. I will be living with four others in a house that is provided for us. I will be getting just enough money to pool together with my housemates for food and utilities.
The four pillars of JVC Northwest are Social Justice, Community, Spirituality, and Simple Living. I think most of you know which one I will have some adjusting to. The simple living will be an eye opener for me, I definitely enjoy shopping for new outfits for occasions, and going out to eat with friends. Without earning any money, these are luxuries I will have to do without.
I am stoked, to say the least, for my time at Brave Heart Volunteers. I will be a Community Outreach Coordinator. Brave Heart Volunteers is a non-profit on the island that works with the elderly and the caretakers of the elderly. I will be setting up events to get the community involved and getting the elderly involved in the community, and with the caretakers to help against burnout. I'm still learning of what I may and may not be doing so it might be change. I'm super excited about it.
This service is a year long, I will be returning just about the same time in 2014. I will still have Facebook and email, so feel free to contact me there!! Also, I welcome visitors. It is a little expensive to get there, but if you are up for it, please let me know so we can plan accordingly!!
I will be updating here of this new adventure of mine so stay tuned my friends! Prayers and happy thoughts are always welcome, thank you in advance!!
xo
Shoshauna
The four pillars of JVC Northwest are Social Justice, Community, Spirituality, and Simple Living. I think most of you know which one I will have some adjusting to. The simple living will be an eye opener for me, I definitely enjoy shopping for new outfits for occasions, and going out to eat with friends. Without earning any money, these are luxuries I will have to do without.
I am stoked, to say the least, for my time at Brave Heart Volunteers. I will be a Community Outreach Coordinator. Brave Heart Volunteers is a non-profit on the island that works with the elderly and the caretakers of the elderly. I will be setting up events to get the community involved and getting the elderly involved in the community, and with the caretakers to help against burnout. I'm still learning of what I may and may not be doing so it might be change. I'm super excited about it.
This service is a year long, I will be returning just about the same time in 2014. I will still have Facebook and email, so feel free to contact me there!! Also, I welcome visitors. It is a little expensive to get there, but if you are up for it, please let me know so we can plan accordingly!!
I will be updating here of this new adventure of mine so stay tuned my friends! Prayers and happy thoughts are always welcome, thank you in advance!!
xo
Shoshauna