Carolina In My Mind

This is just a collection of my favorite quotes about Carolina and a little taste of what it is to have been a Tar Heel for the past 4 years on campus and an alumni forever.

"We'll hold it briefly, feel its pulsing heart before letting it go to impart that Carolina magic to those students there now, and to all those who will come in the endless future, stay awhile, and leave a part of their soul in a place called Chapel Hill." -A.C. Snow, UNC c/o '50

"I love UNC. I love the quad in spring and the arboretum in the fall. I love the Pit on a sunny day and Graham Memorial Lounge on a rainy one. I love Roy all the time. But what makes UNC truly special is not our beautiful campus, our distinguished reputation or even our basketball team. It's us - the student body - who make UNC what it is."
-Eve Carson

"What is it that binds us to this place as to no other? It is not the well, or the bell, or the stone walls, or the crisp October nights or the memory of dogwoods blooming. Our loyalty is not only to William Richardson Davie though we are proud of what he did 200 years ago today. Nor even to Dean Smith, though we are proud of what he did last March. No, our love for this place is based on the fact that it is as it was meant to be, the University of the people."
-Charles Kuralt

"But sometime when the springtime comes and the sifting moonlight falls, they'll think again of this night here and of these old brown walls, of white Old Well and of Old South. With Bell's deep booming tone, they'll think again of Chapel Hill, and -- thinking -- come back home."
-Thomas Wolfe, UNC c/o '20

Song :) "In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind"
-James Taylor

Graduation was Sunday and it was definitely a fun-filled event. Although the day began with rain the moment the class of 2011 turned our tassels from the right to the left the sun came out and was shining directly on us! The rain had stopped JUST in time for the start of the graduation ceremony but it was at that moment when the sun suddenly came from behind the grey clouds that everyone cheered - has to be a good sign for things to come, right?

To give a few other details about graduation: best speech - Liz Dean (senior class president), funniest moment - two naked blow up dolls (one male and one female) getting thrown around the senior class in the middle of the ceremony, best moment overall - joining arms with my fellow seniors and friends while rocking back and forth and singing Hark The Sound, worst moment - waking up to rain on 3.5 hours of sleep.

This has been an emotional time remembering and bringing to a close the best 4 years of my life. UNC provided me with an experience I feel no other school could have. I made amazing friends, learned more than I could ask for, made the best memories, grew as a person tremendously, and, overall, had the perfect college experience.

Tonight was my last night at 211 Pritchard Ave - my home for the past year. Erin, Copeland, and I went to see Something Borrowed as a last roomie night and it was great. Then they, being the amazing friends they are, helped me back my car with all of my belongings. I couldn't have asked for or imagined better roommates or friends. Both Copeland and Erin have definitely changed me for the better and I would not be the same person I am today without their influence these past 4 years. Although it is not goodbye it is a big change for us and I would like to take a moment to thank them for being WONDERFUL! The memories and inside jokes we have together will be with me forever and I will never forget the nights we spent laughing until we cried. I know we will be lifelong friends but I definitely wish our time living together didn't have to end tonight. You will both do amazing things in your careers and lives and I cannot wait to be a part of it all. Love you both!

I am off to apartment hunt tomorrow and I must go to bed. Plus I need to stop crying.

UGH I will miss you UNC, Chapel Hill, 211 Pritchard roomies, Topo, Tridelt, DTH, Los Pos, Suttons, Old Well, Carroll Hall, Dean Dome, Kenan Stadium, Yopo, and all of my wonderful friends!

Cheers!

Heigh-Ho It's off to work I go!

Ok so I am obviously extremely terrible at keeping up with blog posts BUT at least I update the more important things - right?

There are officially 33 days until graduation and reality is setting in. First, I am now EMPLOYED! Wahoo! There is a 1 year rotational program called the Ogilvy Associates Program that I was asked join. Ogilvy is an advertising agency with headquarters in NYC. They do the ads for companies such as Dove, Ikea, UPS, and an account they recently won- Gap. I have been interested in the program since July/August. They had an information session on our campus in September and there were so many people that many had to sit on the floor. Needless to say this was a little discouraging for me because I realized this was the attendance around the country. But the application came out in December and it consisted of your resume, cover letter, and writing sample. I was thinking of not even applying because they mentioned that 1500 people would apply and they are hiring 20-25. I applied last minute and for the part of my writing sample where I had to tell a story in under 100 words I changed the lyrics to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air! Well, I was asked back to on campus interviews in February and after that I met with a former UNC student who works at Ogilvy now while I was in NYC. She as well as a former DTH ad staff manager (which by the way is my job now) who also previously worked at Ogilvy were both SO helpful. I was asked to SuperSaturday - a full day of interviews at the Ogilvy office in March. SuperSaturday consists of one-on-one interviews, group interviews, a presentation of a case study, and a writing sample all from 8-5. There were 52 people at SuperSaturday and every single one was perfectly qualified and so very intelligent. So I left feeling good about my interviews but also sure that everyone else did great too. Well 2 days later I was told that I was 1 of 23 asked to join the program! From over 2000 total applicants - SO EXCITING! I also interviewed at The New York Post, which I really enjoyed but had to turn down for Ogilvy.

Anyway, I start in September and so I am officially moving to NEW YORK! Seth has 2 interviews this Friday and we will be apartment hunting this weekend! HOW CRAZY IS THIS?!?!?!

Although I am so excited to start this next chapter I am also terrified of leaving my college life. I just attended my last formal this weekend and have 4 weekends left before I am a full-blown adult. I just keep asking myself where the time has gone?

In college time is counted in weeks instead of days. "This week I have 2 tests," "Next week is spring break," "That week I am super busy." So next thing you know a month has gone by and then 4 years have just blown right past you! I mean how do I already have my carolina blue graduation cap and gown hanging in my closet?

I am sending graduation announcements and making reservations for graduation dinner but I just want a little more time - please. I want another Carolina basketball season and another spring break and another football game. I want one more (or maybe 2 more) chances to buy a formal dress and drink Thursday nights at Topo.

I know all I write about is how fast time flies by but that is all that is happening to me! My college career just flashed before my eyes and in 33 days I am going to be walking across the stage becoming a UNC alum.

I will keep you updated about the apartment search and the ever-approaching graduation day!

Love you all!

When they said time flies, they weren't lying

Well, I obviously haven't posted anything here for a few months - since I've been in Spain. So much has happened since then from Seth coming and traveling with him to Ireland and The Netherlands to starting my senior year of my undergraduate education.

If I had a dime for every time someone asked me what I think about being senior - well, I probably wouldn't need to be looking for a job right now. Yes, it is bittersweet. I am ready to be done with the schoolwork but I am also not ready at all to leave this place when I feel like I just arrived. Or at least just got the hang of things.

It seems that every time you finally get to know a place and feel comfortable it is time to move on. I really noticed that in Spain but it is happening again right here in Chapel Hill. There was freshman year when I didn't know how to study for college exams or write a college paper. I didn't know where to hang out or what classes to take (although I somehow always knew not to take Friday classes!). Sophomore year I learned a few more teachers to take but I didn't know what bars to go to to on what night or what restaurants to make sure to try. Junior year was a whirl wind of preparing for Spain and being in Spain so it just flew by and now it is senior year and I just figured out what classes to take, how to do well in them, what bars are the best, all the restaurants to try, and what amazing friends I have made. And now I only have a few more months before I have to go own and do the same thing somewhere else, preferably NYC :)

I guess life keeps you on your toes that way - you can never get to comfortable before you are kicked off the couch and moving on. It makes you appreciate what you have while you have it. I have learned throughout college and studying abroad that no minute can be taken for granted because there is too much fun to be had during that minute. I've learned to take risks, to not sweat the small stuff, and to enjoy every moment. The only problem is I feel like I learned those things too late.

Anyway, I don't want to get too sentimental on my first blog post back but I'm sitting on my couch with a glass of wine and an assigned reading just thinking,"MAN, that was fast!"

Sorry my posts will not be nearly as exciting as they were in Spain but I am currently on the job search so maybe that will be interesting to follow??

Stay tuned :)

AKW

You live and you learn.

I am currently in my spanish bed for my last night in Matilde's/my home :( It's so strange to think back now and remember those first few nights when everything was so new. I feel like I am going to cry :( :( which calls for a double sad face.

Matilde made our favorite soup and sandwich for dinner tonight and I only somewhat successfully packed my things. I thought sending my winter jacket and some other random stuff home with my parents would make my load lighter but somehow I still have too much stuff to fit in my suitcase. Going through all of it has brought back all of the memories I have made here. This post is so scatterbrained but so is my mind right now so forgive me.

Over the last few days I have been thinking about all of the things I have accomplished or learned or tried for the first time while studying abroad. I made a list.

Things I accomplished while studying abroad:
1. Successfully planned 5 months worth of traveling: from Copeland and I's first trip to Bologna to the 16-day tour starting tomorrow with Seth it has been tough to plan but so much fun and definitely so worth it!
2. Rode a camel through the Sahara Desert: which is obviously something not many people get to do and a great "what is something interesting about yourself" response (I am always looking for something other than I have 3 siblings and was born in New York)
3. Camped in a desert oasis with berbers: again something not everyone gets to do and I am really grateful I had the chance to because sleeping in a small comunity of burlap tents surrounded by sand for miles around and seeing more stars than I could ever image was something I will NEVER forget.
4. Completed the world biggest half marathon: finishing this race without walking was something I did not think I could and it made me realize I can do anything I really work for and set my mind to.
5. Learned to surf: well kinda...I didn't actually get up but I was on a surf board, in a wet suit, in Lagos so it counts.
6. Survived all night at the largest Carnival in Spain: I am referring to Carnival in Cadiz where I wore a mask all night in the pouring rain with tons of drunk people until 6 am. This brings me to my next accomplishment...
7. Celebrated a birthday at a German club until 6am: Too. Much. Fun. :)
8. Ate authentic bolognese sauce in Bologna, Italy: Yum! There is nothing like it and I wish I could have some right now especially because it was in a beautiful restaurant with dim lighting and live jazz filling the room.
9. Attended a movie premier and met 2 movies stars: by the names of Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler. Yes, I have been obsessed with Gerry :) ever since and I am proud to say it.
10. Took a picture with one of the above said movie stars: Of course this was Gerard Butler grabbing my camera and taking a photo with Copeland and I and then signing our hands. Love.
11. Won a free vacation by rapping and beat boxing: now those of you who know me (which is everyone who is reading this blog) know that I did not pick up the rapping/beat boxing skills here in Spain but I never win anything and my luck changed here! Lagos was amazing and had I paid for it, it would have been worth every penny. Also, shout out to stepper Cameron Battle because she put on a just as great performance!
12. Learned some bad words in German from some new German friends: these are the friends from the 6am party by the way. Now, I don't want to type these words and offend a reader but I think learning curse words where ever you are in the world is important as to become one of the locals :)
13. Attended a professional Spanish soccer game: which was Sevilla FC. It was so cool to hear the song/chants that the fans sing and see the excitement in the old Spanish men that we feel in something like Carolina Basketball.
14. Attended a professional German basketball game: well hardly professional against our standards but it was hilarious as well as a great way to feel like a local/part of the culture.
15. Never drank the same beer twice at the Internacional Cerveceria: and I will continue not to when I go tomorrow. This is one of my favorite places to go in Sevilla and they have so many beers I made a promise to myself to try a different one every single time. So far so good- I have had dark, light, good, and bad but it has been so much fun and I learned that I love beer from Belgium.
16. Learned to salsa dance: It's funny when I was making this list I forgot it at first I guess because it was so long ago but it was SO much fun going every M/W and learning a new dance! I think it will come in handy one day ;)
17. Helped teach English to a classroom of the cutest 11 and 12-year-old Spaniards in the world: I looked forward to going to my class at Claret every Tuesday and hearing "HHAAALLLLOOOOO" when I walked in the door. The children were so excited every week and they were so funny and great to be around. This was definitely one of my if not my favorite parts about studying abroad. I will miss them so much!
18. Rode in a Spanish police van and took pictures pretending to get arrested. This just happened last night and it was so much fun! Us girls went out together and Sarah wanted to take some night pictures of the Giralda so we stopped there. This police van with 3 officers pulls up and we get to talking. Long story short Sarah and I get pin on "badges," we take tons of photos of each other with an officer pretending to arrest us, get to talk on the walkie-talkies in the van, and get a ride home from them on all the streets where only emergency vehicles can drive. Awesome.
19. Conquered living in a foreign country and made a second family while doing it: I gained SO much studying abroad and I know I will be talking about it the rest of my life. I also now have a home with a lovely 2nd mother and sister to visit WHEN I return.

As you can see I have been busy these past 4 months and I am sad to say that it is coming to an end. It's bitter sweet knowing Seth is on his way and we are going to have so much fun traveling to Ireland, Prague, and Amsterdam as well as I am going to see all of my friends and family soon when at the same time I have to leave this place I have come to love so much. I walk around Sevilla now as if I am walking around Chapel Hill or Raleigh because I feel comfortable and I know the city. It's mine. I am so excited for what is to come in Seth and I's travels for the next 2 weeks and I am super excited to see my brothers and sister and friends. I am excited to eat American food (my mom's grilled cheese) at a normal hour. But I don't want to leave this place where dogs roam without leashes (and poop wherever they please), where people get dressed to the 9's just to go to the grocery store, where cafeterias are plentiful and drinking at 11am is a local pastime, and where an afternoon siesta is mandatory.

I can't wait to come back sometime in the near future and remember all of the things I did in Sevilla like sit by the river eating 100 Montaditos, running through Parque Maria Luisa, attending feria de abril and riding the ferris wheel, seeing the processions of Semana Santa, making quick trips to the bazar or Nervion Plaza, and waking up early for/getting back late from the bus station to visit somewhere amazing or come back from said amazing place.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my time here, I know I enjoyed experiencing all of the things I wrote to you about. Thanks for reading and see you all so soon!

Besitos!
Amanda

Living the life in Lagos.

Hello my dears,

So for the last program hoorah I went to Lagos, Portugal this past weekend with 499 other students studying in Sevilla. We went with the same tour group as we did with Morocco, Discover Sevilla. The ride is only 3 hours so that was great so we were off Friday morning. Since everyone except like 3 people from our program were going we got class canceled on Friday and just made it up last Wednesday instead and got a final moved to the day before haha. Anyway Lagos is absolutely gorgeous and definitely the most amazing beach I have ever had the pleasure of tanning on. We got to stay at a 4 star hotel which was awesome and even had a kitchen and after checking in we headed to la playa. The cliffs and clear water were so amazing. We also took a long walk to a lighthouse where there are paths around the cliffs and grotto. We got the most amazing pictures! Friday night we went to dinner and to a party that Discover Sevilla put on at a place called Monkey Joes, which was a lot of fun. The night was filled with drinking and dancing and laughing.

Saturday the 6 girls: Cameron, Copeland, Caroline, Sarah, Kaleigh, and I headed to town and the beach for a bit before our Sangria Cruise. Unlimited sanria, beautiful views, a grotto tour, and a boat = amazing experience (obvi simple math). We started on a bigger boat and when we got to a good spot we anchored and took 10 people at a time on a smaller boat through the cliffs! Some brave souls even jumped in the water, one of which was NOT me because it was freezing. Then Discover Sevilla set up a party of the beach and we headed there for a couple hours before heading off to the end of the world. Yes, you read correctly. We went to what was thought to be the end of the world before it was discovered that the earth was in fact round. Guess what- the end of the world is probably the windiest place I have ever been but the sunset was amazing as well as the views.

Sunday we were off to the west coast for a more exclusive beach. The. Most. Amazing. Beach. I. Have. Ever. Seen. Just picture it: green mountains, blue water, soft sand, and rocky cliffs. Now take that image and multiply it by 100 and you will understand where we were. Cameron, Caroline, and I took surfing lessons complete with extremely form flattering wetsuits. Although I couldn't stand up I did get to my knees and it was a great experience. Just laying on the board as the waves rush you to shore, ahhhh. Surfing is also an extremely tiring workout and as I type my arms are still aching from carrying the board. Narley dude. Hang ten. I definitely want to try again in the good ole US of A. Sadly, we had to head back to Sevilla (and worst of all exams). It was a great weekend though and I couldn't have picked a better way to spend a weekend before exams (Besides actually studying for said exams).

I actually just finished my worst exam today so I am feeling a large weight off my shoulders. Seven more days, two more exams, and one more english tutoring until my time in Sevilla is up...
:(

Amanda

How 'bout that camel ride in? I guess that's why they call it the Sahara.

A wonderful thing about studying abroad in Sevilla during the spring semester is you get, not one, but two spring breaks! The second break is for Feria de Abril, which is a week in Sevilla full of private tents, flamanco dresses, dancing Sevilliana, horses, amusement rides, and drinking. But before I embarked on that journey I took a little (6 day) trip to Morocco. I know what you're thinking but do not fear, I went with a tour group who has been plenty of times.

The trip started at the beautiful hour of 4:45am on Friday with a bus ride to catch the ferry. We visited Rabat, Fez, and THE SAHARA DESERT! Saturday night we even rode 4x4's into the desert in order to hope on some camels and head to a desert oasis where we spent the night, whoooo can say they did that! There was berbers signing and playing drums, a fire, and the most beautiful sky I ever seen in my life. With no light pollution for miles and miles it feels like you are in a planetarium except it was way cooler and real. We all woke up at 5:30 in the morning to climb a huge sand dune and watch the sunrise over the Sahara. No big deal. Then we drank some tea and hopped on the camels again for a 2 hour ride to a desert hotel, which hurts after the first 30 minutes. Now if you think Morocco is strictly third-world stuff than think again because these desert hotels are like resorts with beautiful pools, restaurants, tennis courts, and even mini golf. Oh and that reminds me- the food in Morocco is amazing! Breakfast consists of tons of different delicious breads and pancake-type things with honey and jam. Of course there is tea, tea, and more GLORIOUS tea! Then for lunch and dinner there is amazing cous cous and vegetables as well as a oranges with cinnamon (try it- it is soooo good). Anyway I got a turban and even learned how to put it on myself. Turbans are essential in the desert if you do not want a birds nest full of sand as hair. These would be a great addition to the USA when you dont want to wash your hair in the morning- just sayin.

Something that really amazed me was that the berbers do not go to school but each one knew about 4 languages. They spoke arabic, english, spanish, and french all from being around tourists. I have been taking spanish for years and even live in a spanish speaking country and they were better than me. Also, they act like it's nothing cool or out of the ordinary that they can do this. Super cool.

Fez was also really cool. We went to the Medina, which is a huge market area with tiny little unnamed streets and the only "transportation" that can fit inside are horses and donkeys. We visited a place that made tons of scarves and all by hand. We also went to a tannery for leather goods, a carpet-making place, and a pharmacy that sells everything from natural viagra to tea and perfume. It's so strange to see things made by hand now-a-days. I sound like an old lady but really, it makes you really appreciate the beautiful work when you watch a woman produce an 8x10 carpet stitch by stitch.

It really is an amazing place and somewhere I never thought I wanted to visit but will (hopefully) being going back to in the future. And it ended on a great note because there was a party the last night at the hotel with everyone in the tour group. There were surprise belly dancers and a talent show. The prize for the winner of the talent show got a free trip to Lagos, Portugal with the same tour group, Discover Sevilla. Guess what?? I WON :) I performed a little rap and also beat boxed (thanks to Seth) and won my 140 euros back for the trip I am going on this coming weekend! YAY.

Well I am off to watch the fireworks for the last night of Feria! Ahh my time here is coming to a close WAY to fast!!

Later alligators!

The Warrens take Spain

So the next weekend after the marathon Copeland and I headed to Barcelona to meet my parents for their week in Spain! We were walking to the hotel when I heard a voice that I recognized as my loud New Yorker father before he could finish his sentence (sorry dad, i did love the greeting though!). I look up and there they were on the hotel balcony yelling to me as I walked down the street :) We took Barcelona in 2 1/2 days visiting all the Gaudi, Las Ramblas, and odd Catalan language we could in our time there. My favorite parts were the market where they sold fresh fruit smoothies for 1 euro each and tons of other delish looking treats. Also, the Magic Fountain was awesome; its this fountain that shoots water to the sound of the music playing for the show as well as changes colors throughout. It was beautiful night watching the water/lights/music show and drinking vodka for the girls and Aschbach for my dad. He was extremely excited about finding this particular drink and even more excited about its price because he used to drink it in Germany- ahh Euro trip memories.

Next was our tour of Madrid, which was my favorite of the two cities. The Spanish say you are either a fan of Madrid or Barcelona and my mom and I were Madrid's while my dad and Copeland were Barcelona's. (Aren't you glad I told you that and you now know just incase you ever need that information?!?) I loved the history in sights in Madrid from the Royal Palace to the Parque Buen Retiro to, oh you know, GERARD BUTLER AND JENNIFER ANISTON! Oh the glory of walking up upon a movie premier and waiting almost 3 hours to snap a picture of some famous americans. And we were going to go to the Prado (an art museum- HA). Turns out Gerard Butler is in love with me- came over after I shouted "P.S. I LOVE YOU GERARD" and grabbed my camera right out of my hands, snapped a picture of Copeland, him, and me and proceeded to profess his love!! Ok, ok everything is true except me shouting "p.s. i love you gerard" I mean, WHO would do that??

ALRIGHT already, everything is true except the part where Gerard professed his love but that's ok because he did touch my camera, take a picture with me, and signed my hand (which he also touched in order to sign it). The wedding is next August :)

Our next and last stop was Sevilla. It was Semana Santa- holy week- leading up to Easter, which is a BIG deal here in Spain and the biggest celebration is in- you guessed it, Sevilla! There are millions of people and it is extremely hard to navigate through a usually easy-to-get-around city center. I first realized this when I was going to meet my parents at their hotel after I dropped my things off at my home sweet home and it took me an extra 30-ish minutes. First I couldn't go the direct route because it was blocked off by millions of Catholic Spaniards trying to get a glimpse at the procession passing through. Also, the actual procession had tons of people in it (people wearing hoods that look like they are official members of the KKK) and so I had to wait until it was stopped and run through the parade to cross the street.

The precessions are really cool though because each one has a different huge statue/scene at the end with a Jesus or a Mary with lots and lots of men carrying it through the streets. These men are underneath the gigantic thing and they can only take little baby steps, cannot see, and are under a huge platform filled with lit candles and heavy silver and gold. It is quite an amazing sight.

We had a great week though filled with Spanish food and drink, the arabic baths, sightseeing, and the spanish siesta of course. It was great to see my parents since the longest time I have been without them in, oh, 20.5 years! And Copelands family arrived 2 days before my parents left so we all got to hang out and go to dinner a couple times as well as attend a Sevilla Futbol game. I think my dad was very pleased to have some more testosterone around and we are all excited to spend some more time together over the next year when Copeland and I (and Erin!) live together again.

Anyway it is currently the last week of classes and I have some major school stuff to be doing but I promise I will post about the Sahara Desert/Morocco this week! Then only one more post about Lagos and my last week in Spain before Seth arrives and we are off to tour 3 other countries :) AHHH can't wait!

See you soon (literally SEE because I only have a month left, sad.)