2 Years Ago...

It's hard to believe that two years ago, I moved to England to start my graduate school adventures.  

Time flew by over these past two years. As my regular readers know, I had quite a lot of adventures and moments to last a lifetime. Some were school and career related with others being captured and lived at parties, coffee dates, or in other countries. 

It's been almost three months since I moved back to the USA officially, and I still feel as if part of me is missing. London was home for so long. The MPA program and the friends I made in the program were the substance of my life for two years.  It's been a cultural adjustment these past few months as I get used to life in Las Vegas, the working world, and driving everywhere.  But, life is about change. And, I'm embracing my new life to the fullest.

Today, though, I'll be reminiscing more than normal by rereading some of favorite blog entries from the past two years. 

After all, this blog served as a way to capture those moments I had. 

2 Years Later...

Today officially marks my second anniversary of being a Syracuse University alumna!

I'm not entirely sure where the last two years have gone, but I know I've been enjoying the ride. 

As I spend part of my day looking through old albums, I leave you with the commencement address that Aaron Sorkin gave to my graduation class.

Article Review: "Lessons From Living in London"

I'm a huge fan of the New York Times Travel section. They recently just published their list about the places you should visit in 2014. Their, "52 Places to Go in 2014," is just plain awesome listing famous cities as well as locations that are often the beaten track. 

Back in October, there was an article written by Sarah Lyall entitled "Lessons From Living in London." Believe me when I say that I bookmarked that article as soon as I finished reading it. It captures everything I've felt, thought, and loved about living in London.  There are days that I pull it up just to remind myself on why London is an amazing city.

With my final six months of London already counting down, I'm trying to take in more and more of the city in. Truth be told, there is a lot I've never done despite living here. That does include a lot of the art museums, riding an Old Routemaster bus, eating Black Pudding, etc. I've got a running list of things to do before June comes to a close.

For now, though, I'll leave you with my favorite quotes from the article. 

Read it yourself, then bookmark it. 

"Residents tend to feel more connected to their neighborhoods than to London as a whole, and because it can be an undertaking to travel to another part of town for a social occasion, geography starts to feel like destiny."

"In London, people keep themselves to themselves, as the expression goes, and this can feel either liberating or lonely."

"Things you learn as a resident: the Tube, the world’s oldest subway system, is full of jolly announcements exhorting you to “mind the gap”…"

"Learn that there are as many meanings for the word “sorry” as there are hours in the day."

"And wherever you go, always take an umbrella."

Orange is the Happiest of Colors!

Over the weekend, I got head back to the Syracuse campus for a few hours. 

There is something about walking back onto your alma mater's campus. It's a homecoming. 

I returned to campus for the first-ever ACC basketball game in the Carrier Dome. My Dad and I hadn't been to a game in forever, so we wanted to get to one while I was home. It was also my first SU basketball game since becoming an alumna. The last one I had been to was the Elite 8 game in Boston back in 2012.  And, we can all agree that staying up in the wee hours of the UK to watch a game is not the same as being there in person.

It was an intense game-full of moments of stress. Thankfully, we pulled it off! We beat Miami only by a few points, but we still won! My Dad and I had a great time dressed in orange and cheering on our team! I also ran into a few friends from undergrad! 

#orangenation

Resolutions for 2014?

Last year, I posted a short piece about my opinion on resolutions. 

The idea of that post was to discuss not only my opinion on making and keeping resolutions, but also more of my focus on working on my 101 in 1001 list. The past year, through various recaps, I've been updating and cross more things off the list. 

I'd like 2014 not to be any different in terms of resolutions. I have a ton of goals and a mile-long to-do list for the new year, but no set resolutions. 

Here's to crossing more things off my list! 

#popfizzclink

2013 Recap

With another year drawing to a close in the next few days, it's time for my yearly recap of what I've been up to, what I've learned, where I went, etc. It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone so quickly. I literally feel as if I was just sitting in my econometrics lecture post Christmas 2012. 

Albeit, time does fly, and 2013 was a year of growth and struggle. This year pushed me to new heights, changed me personally, academically, and professionally, and allowed me to see more of the world. I gained close friends along the way and said goodbye to those who were not meant to be part of my life. I traveled to numerous new cities and countries in search of a better understanding of the world, the view of the United States, and to get to know myself better.  

In January, after a month home in the States for a break, I started my second term at the London School of Economics. In January, I attended the Democrats Abroad Inaugural Ball with my friend, Zaina.  In the midst of schoolwork and travel plans, I also lent a hand during the SU London Center's orientation where I was reunited with friends from over the years. 

February was a busy month as I traveled to Princeton for the reading weekend of the Journal of Public and International Affairs. Within a few days of getting back from a weekend in the States, I headed to Dublin for a friend's birthday/girls' weekend.  In line with my goals of doing more tourist activities in London, I took a day trip to Oxford, a walking tour of St. Paul's/The City, and saw several musicals. 

March is my favorite month of the year, and this year was no different. At the start of March, I traveled to Amsterdam and Prague. March is also my birthday month. Turning 23 in London was an absolute blast! Following the completion of the Lent Term, the MPA held its annual ball before we headed off for a five-week break.  At the end of March, my Dad and I started our Father-Daughter Eurotrip that we had already dreamed about taking!

March quickly turned into April when my Dad and I were on our Eurotrip. We traveled to Ireland, Germany, and France in the first week or so. I took a solo trip to Scotland before venturing to Italy with my friend, Nicole. The last week of April was spent back in London preparing for one of the hardest periods of my life: exams. 

May was a rough month in my life this year. If you read through past posts, it's because of the way the UK higher education system is set up. Studying for six weeks straight was horrible. I did take a few breaks during this month.

June was exam month. Three exams in three days. One was a 100% of my grade. The other exam took place a week after.  The first two weeks of June combined with May were very long and stressful. Thankfully, I was rewarded with being able to spend the summer at home. The day I traveled home, my brother and his family also arrived home.  Oh, and I also went to the Sound for Change Concert and saw some of my favorite musicians perform including Queen Bey and Jay-Z!

July was a month of celebrations as I got word that I was officially advancing to the second year of the MPA. I was also reunited with one of my best friends from college for a weekend. We toured Seneca Falls, took a trip to CUSE, and laughed for hours. 

August was a slow month in terms of blog activity. But, I was busy celebrating my parents' birthdays, reading, reuniting with friends, and preparing to return to London. 

September was my last month of summer vacation. I started the month off in CT/NYC visiting some of my closest friends  and sightseeing. I was also able to run into one of my closest mentors and friends in the first week. The rest of the month was spent visiting Syracuse to see friends that are still undergrads or grad students, running errands to get ready to go back to London, and enjoying my last few days of freedom. 

October was my first month back in London after my summer in the States. It was also the month I started interning with the US Embassy as well as the month I started my second year at LSE. I was selected to be a part of the G4S Capstone group and elected to write a policy paper for the year instead of a dissertation.  As it could be my final year in London for a period of my life, I also elected to be a tourist as much as possible.  The MPA program kicked off the year with several parties including the annual boat party and retreat!

November  was the month I got wanderlust. I traveled to Romania, Luxembourg, and Germany throughout the month. Luxembourg was my second solo trip of the year.  I also attended the J.Crew London Store Opening, celebrated a few birthdays, explored more of the city, and did attempt to do schoolwork. 

And, the last month of the year…December.  I finished another term at LSE minus some homework over the winter break. I also finished my internship with the US Embassy. As the holiday season was in full bloom, I attended a few holiday parties, a couple of concerts, and took a trip to Bristol to see the city and the Christmas market.  Back stateside for a few weeks, I'm planning on seeing a few friends before the new year surfaced and getting my fair share of snow. 

Thanks for reading my 2013 recap. I'm happy and sad to see another year draw to a close. Yet, I'm also looking forward to a new year!! 

What were your favorite memories of 2013?

My Oh My! What a Year!

Pop the Champagne! 

Can you believe it? 

It's been a year since I moved to London! 

A year ago, I boarded a plane out of Syracuse bound for JFK before my long-haul flight across the pond. The move last year was a whirlwind. I felt a myriad of emotions last year during the move.  It was a long week of adjusting back to the British lifestyle, and even longer getting used to the UK education system. But, I survived, and I cannot wait to get another year started! 

--

This one isn’t really about London, but the man certainly is: My friends, as I have discovered myself, there are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters. 

- Boris Johnson 

101 in 1001 Update

I first wrote about my 101 in 1001 list last August. 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept, it's exactly what it sounds like. From the date of when I started the list (August 25th, 2013), I have 1001 days to complete the list. My end date is May 22nd, 2015. 

Over the course of the last year, I've completed some of the list and have worked to complete various portions of some tasks. 

Here are some of the big accomplishments on the list:

Visit 5 New Countries  (Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany)

Almost done with that one...

Live in a foreign country for one year (Officially completed 12 months (over several years) of living in London)

Visit 5 New Museums
 (Hermitage Museum, Anne Frank House, Reiksmuseum, Cheese Museum in Amsterdam, The Queenstown Story in Cork, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, and many more!)

Take a free online class (Completed my first #MOOC in August 2013)

Check out the rest of my list & consider making your own!

Summer at Home

It's been a little more than a month since I've been home. Crazy, huh?

On Tuesday, I got my grades which confirmed that I will officially be a second year in October. I have news to announce in the near future about my fall internship, and I've already started to revise my various resumes as this will be the year I apply to "big-girl" jobs. 

Yet, it is good to stop and smell the roses.

When I arrived home back in June, my brother and his family were visiting from California. 

My niece and me 

My brother and me 

This past week, I got to meet up with a friend from high school. It's crazy that it has been five years since I graduated high school!

Megan and me

I also got to go up to Syracuse and meet up with my friend Jess. We were Remembrance Scholars together, so we grabbed a quick lunch! She just graduated from SU with her Master's, and she is headed off into the world to do amazing things.

Hall of Languages

Stay tuned for more updates! 

One Year.

I'm sitting here with a box of tissues.

I cannot believe that it has been a year since I graduated from Syracuse University.  It was a year ago that I graduated from the honors program, my home college, and walked at Commencement.  

A lot can change in a year. Looking back on this last year, I grew a lot, both personally and professionally. Moving to a foreign country (again) and deciding to pursue a graduate degree that is heavily math-based was a huge decision that I am so glad I made. Understanding that some friendships and relationships do not always last is part of growing up as well. And, it is something that I experienced this year. 

I sometimes feel like I'm a new person than I was on May 13, 2012. Yet, I know I just changed and grew up (to use that phrase lightly). I still love playing and dancing to "Call me Maybe." 

So, I'll leave you with the video of Aaron Sorkin's Commencement address and some of my favorite photos from graduation weekend. Here's to another year post undergrad. Heck, next year this time, I'll essentially be done with grad school. 

#orangenation

Ringing in 23!

I turned 23 today!

It's hard to believe where a year goes and what happens in just a short period of time. The last year has been incredible, and I cannot wait to see what happens this year. 

For now, I leave you with some photos of my birthday celebration from last night!

Oh, and Happy St. Patrick's Day too!

oh hey, 2013.

I recently published my thoughts on my 2013 resolutions. I'm going to focus more on my 101 in 1001 list, but I also wanted to write a post reflecting on my growth this past year. It's essentially tied to my new goals for 2013 which do include that bucket list that has to be complete by 2015. 

At the start of 2012, as I have mentioned numerous times, I had thrown out what I thought I was supposed to do with my life. I threw away a idealistic five-year plan that I never fully believed in, even back when I was applying for college. Instead, I followed my heart, my gut, and my instincts. I've said it before, and I will continue to say it. I'm glad I did it.

I had an awesome year per my prior post. 2012 was a year of growth for me. Of course, I mean it so via academics and professional experience, but I mean in it in other areas of my life as well. I don't generally disclose personal information on this blog as well we all know I have hopes of running for office someday. But, what I can say is that I learned a lot more about what a true friend is, why boys stink and men are more my type, and that once again, seeing and experiencing new sights is some of the best medicine. 

So, here's to you 2013. I want to continue to follow a new mantra in my life. I want to continue to grow. And, I want to remember that it is okay not to have everything always planned out. 

Resolutions...

2013.

I'm really bad with resolutions. 

Well, I actually take that back. 

I'm generally bad at keeping most of them.  Back when I used to blog in 2010-2011, I kept resolutions on my blog that I did generally keep. Among those resolutions were political internships, and getting into the Syracuse London program. Ones that weren't kept? Generally getting more sleep was one that was never kept....some habits die hard.

As we enter 2013, I seriously did think about creating some new resolutions. In line with previous ones that I wish I would have kept would have been to continue to get healthier, get more sleep, etc. Rather than write new resolutions for 2013, I decided to rather focus my attention on my 101 in 1001 days list. As I enter 2013, I know that my 1001 days to complete the remaining tasks on my list is beginning to lose more days.

So, 2013, that's the task. Knock more things off that list, so I can successfully say that I will complete it by May 22nd, 2015

You can read more about my list here:

 http://walpolehopsthepond.blogspot.com/p/101-in-1001.html

2012: Year in Review

Trafalger Square from the Top of a Double Decker Bus

As I sit here writing the 2012: Year in Review post, I get to enjoy the comfort of a warm blanket, some hot chocolate, and watch the snow fall outside. Clearly, I'm enjoying my winter break at home! 

It's hard to believe that this year is almost over. It seems as if I was just starting my last semester at Syracuse just yesterday. Yet, today, I've got one term of grad school already done. Time flies when you are having fun and working hard. I made a lot of memories this year; some were not so great, but the majority of them, I will carry with me forever. (Thank goodness for tons of photos.)

I left my mark at Chucks

So, here we go..a short year in review complete with those photos that I mentioned.

Danielle and Me

Governor Howard Dean

January: 

• Attend the Politics and Media Seminar at the Washington Center in DC for research on my honors thesis 
• Met Governor Howard Dean and others inspirations at the Seminar
• Got to meet two of my now good friends, Lexi and AJ, at the seminar
• Was Reunited with my Summer 2011 Roommate, Danielle
• Returned to Syracuse for my last semester
• Got Accepted into the London School of Economics on the first day of the last semester at Syracuse

February:

• Participated in my last formal Pi Beta Phi recruitment as a collegian member
• Reunion of Lawrinson 12 

Katie, Kari, and me meeting Brandon Triche (SU Basketball Player) 

Celebrating my 22nd Birthday 

Elite 8 Game in Boston

March: 

• Turned 22 Years Old
• Spent Spring Break at Syracuse with some of my best friends as we finished our capstone projects
• Traveled to Boston with my Best Friend, Katie, for the Syracuse Elite 8 Game
• Met the Entire Basketball Team (one final go!)

One Final Mayfest 

Group Photo with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 

Remembrance Scholars 

April:

• Participated in the 2012 Dulye Leadership Experience. This time, I was on the side of the student project manager and an alumna of the program
• Met Senator Chuck Schumer
• Met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
• Participated on the Remembrance Scholar Selection Committee
• Finished my Honors Capstone Project/Political Science Distinction Thesis
• Had One Final MAYFEST

My Nephew and Me 

Oriana and Me at the Remembrance Scholar Brunch

Honors Convocation with my Parents

May:

• Defended my thesis for the political science distinction program
• Presented my thesis at Honors Capstone Day
• Participated in final senior activities such as Remembrance Scholar Brunch, Senior Sunday, and Senior Celebration
• Graduated from Syracuse University complete with three ceremonies and Aaron Sorkin being my Commencement Speaker
• Got to see my Brother and Nephew for Graduation 

June:

• Started my summer internship with the U.S. Department of Education 
• Finished my internship with the U.S. Department of State
• Was Home for the First Summer in Ages

Reunion

July:

• Took a road trip to Pennsylvania 
• Got Reunited with my friends, Ashlie and Erin
• Granted my student visa for England 

Orange Reunion

August:

• Took a road trip to Connecticut to see my best friend, Katie
• Travled to NYC for the day for random meet-ups, a musical, and a ton of macaroons!
• Attended a Syracuse New Student Send Off with Erin 
• Wrote a freelance article for the International Political Forum
• Landed another remote internship with the U.S. Department of State

LSE Orientation 

Buckingham Palace

September:

• Visited Syracuse for one final goodbye
• Moved to London, England and settled into Notting Hill
• Started my pre-semester course at the London School of Economics
• Met my seven close friends in my program
• Realized how close the MPA program was at the Boat Party, and realized how lucky I was to have such a fun program
• Heard Kofi Annan Speak

MPA Retreat 

MPA Retreat

October:

• Started official grad school courses
• Landed an internship in London
• Attended the MPA Retreat and Halloween Party 
• Voted Absentee Ballot 

White Cliffs of Dover

Prince William

November:

• Realized my love for STATA and regressions
• Traveled to Dover 
• Saw the Royal Family 
• Celebrated the Engagement of Two Close Friends 
• Celebrated Obama's Victory
• Took a road trip in England with Emma and Zaina
• Traveled to Chatsworth House
• Selected to be the Contributing Editor for the Journal of Public and International Affairs 

Jenny and Me at the Holiday Party 

Mumford and Sons 

December: 

• Attended the MPA Holiday Party
• Completed my first term of graduate school
• Will Attend my First SU Basketball game as an alumna
• Saw Mumford and Sons 
• Attended my first Pi Phi Alumnae Event