Thank you.

I just want to take a moment to appreciate how blessed I am. Most people do not get an opportunity like this and it really is a shame that not everyone can experience living abroad. As much courage, strength, and hard work as it took to get here, I wouldn't trade this opportunity for anything. This is by far the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life and there are ups and Downs, but at the end of the day I just think of how lucky I am and how I cannot afford to take this life for granted.

I cannot express how much I have fallen in love with oviedo, and Spain in general. Spaniards joke that the north is no good and we need to go to the south cause that's the better part of Spain. They may be right about the last part, I've never been to southern Spain so I couldn't tell you. However, I completely disagree with oviedo being no good. At first it was hard to adjust to the stares on the street and the general attitude of the people seemed rude. But now that I've been here a month I realize that's just how they are, they aren't trying to be rude. And once I could get over that, I realized that oviedo has some of the greatest people I've met. I love going to the cafe and seeing the owner working everyday. I love it when he says hi as though we are old pals. I love that if you're lost people will go out of their way to help. I love the pride in the language, yet the eagerness of most Spaniards to learn English. I love that life isn't easy here. Its simple, but not easy. You have to put in effort if you want something, there aren't too many easy ways out. I love that time is something everyone is given equally, and saying you don't have time is just plain silly. I love walking to school each day past the same shops with the same workers and the same people on the street, making a big city seem like a small town. I love the ridiculous obsession with keeping the city clean. I love that you are expected to go out and party in buildings from the 800s and stay out til 6am like its no big deal. I love that the way you dress is a matter of personal pride and laziness is frowned upon. I love all of the statues and monuments and Parks which show that the city is important even when things are tight. I love that wifi is pronounced weefee. I love that people truly believe in things that Americans would consider ridiculous or a waste of time.

I could see myself having a life here after college, and I love that. I don't know what will happen and I'm not saying I'm going to pack up and move here, but just knowing that I would be comfortable calling this place home makes me love it even more. I can't wait for Mom and Mike to get here so that I can show them around, cause I really am proud of this city. I want to be able to share everything I love about it with my friends and family, cause I want to express as best I can with everyone just how great this place is! I know its impossible to ship everyone over here, and that just makes me appreciate everything I've been given even more. So on that note, thank you for giving me this opportunity Mom and Dad. You have literally given me the world and I don't know how I will ever be able to repay you :)