After a week back in school, I can still say I am sad about Spring Break being over. Who would have thought that 8 days in Haiti could change my life? For my Spring Break I traveled alongside 3 other undergraduate students, a graduate student/translator and a professor to Borgne, Haiti. While we were there we completed multiple service projects including painting a mural of the solar system for a 4th grade classroom, and going to a mobile health clinic. While I greatly enjoyed all of the service projects, my favorite part of the trip was interacting with the people. Everywhere we went we were followed by groups of children who were fascinated with us (yelling "blan," meaning foreigner). Though I only knew a few words and phrases in creole, I always felt welcomed by the people. They would smile and wave, sometimes even cry, thanking us for our help. While I was so happy to help them, in any way that I could, I kept feeling like I should've been doing more. Most of the people we met or saw lived on about $2 a day. There were no mirrors, there was no electricity, sometimes there wasn't even clean water. The amazing part was that this didn't seem to bother them. I'm sure they wouldn't say no to a clean shower or a new pair of shoes, but they were always so thankful for what they had, and more importantly, who they had in their lives. We often saw brothers holding hands to show their appreciation and love for one another. We saw children walking miles every day to get fruit and other foods for their home. We saw mothers who were always taking care of their children and husbands before taking care of themselves. Why do I miss Haiti so much? Well, I'll tell you why. I miss Haiti because it gives me hope for humanity. Most people would say it should make me thankful for all that I have in my own life. I'm not saying that this isn't true, but maybe what I value and what my peers value needs to change. Maybe I should spend less time worrying about everything I think I need to complete on my to-do list, and more time helping my mom make dinner. Maybe I should spend less time on Facebook and Instagram and more time studying. I can honestly say that I feel like I found a piece of my heart in soul in Haiti. All I want to do is go back there. I know it may be a while before I go back to Haiti, but the people I met will always be in my heart. While I pull myself together to finish this last crazy month of school, I'll always be thinking of Haiti.
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1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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