THANK YOU DONORS

Thanks to your help I am a step closer to my dream :)
It is an amazing blessing to have all of your support. And thank you to those who have shared the link with friends.

I only have $166 more to go!

If you know about someone who needs help with their study abroad process or would like to receive more information about SDSU, send them over my way, I am more than happy to help.

Lots of love and blessings to all of you!

Almost gone!

My departure date is quickly approaching and, as expected, I’ve been frequently asked the same old question “are you ready?”

To be honest with myself, I am far from being ready, and even further from being excited.

I have been experiencing many changes recently, most of them in emotional aspects of my life since I’ve been growing closer to my friends and family. I see this process as something that should happen regardless of my departure, but in the back of my head I know this is all developing as a consequence of this trip. I have also been reflecting a lot on many things, a lot of them have to do with my academic plan, and other things are related to my overall experience at my university. I now find myself walking around campus, breathing deeply and smiling for no reason other the memories of this past amazing year. It has become hard for me to realize how fast time moves, and that soon I’ll be graduating (and paying back my loans).

On another note, I have been searching for a couch for the past days (through couchsurfing.org), and I have not found anyone just yet. I am hoping I can work something with one of my friend’s relative, or find an honest host soon.

Anyways, even when excitement has not fully kicked in yet, I am feeling more and more blessed by the minute. I am sure the idea will hit me as soon as I step on that plane to Peru.

Aztec bear in South America

Beginning on July 11th I'll start this new adventure. It was not until last night that I realized that I am actually leaving in about a month, and that it won't take long until the first symptom of culture shock hits me.

To better cope with this process I decided to blog about my experience. This is my way of thanking the donors, and inspiring others to take the initiative to follow their hearts and understand that we only have one life to live. Challenges need to be taken, and I've already accepted a couple.

During these five exciting months I'll bring a piece of my alma mater with me, to represent the expansion of cultures, and acquisition of diverse enriching experiences of a proud Aztec. I will take pictures of an SDSU inanimate ambassador at every new spot I visit.

I now introduce you to Tonatiuh.

In the Aztec mythology, Tonatiuh was the sun god, also known as the fifth sun.
On this trip, this aztec teddy will bring light and awareness to myself and my fellow students, about the importance of connecting with the world. I look forward to absorbing a new culture, ready to open my eyes to new realities.

I hope that once I come back, I will be able to share my experiences with my community, to plan for a better future with an open mind, and receptiveness to different cultures and ideas.

Eager to begin my Aztec adventure!

-Claudia S.