Nashville Here We Come

On the night of our interview for the Ivy League Connection, I remember being in the dim stall of the bathroom at my school with Audrey frantically changing out of our school clothes. We were all jitters and nerves as we straightened our blouses and brushed our hair. I remember meeting Hawi and Anna, as we waited in the dreaded theater classroom for our numbers to be called( I was number 5). I remember the comforting jug of Red Vines, which I scurried over to when I needed to simmer down. We’ve come so far since the night of the interview, and here we are ready to depart for Nashville, Tennessee.

I’ve had a jam-packed summer. The first few weeks I worked 8 hours a day at the theater at my high school, where dance companies, schools, or music companies rented our theater to put on their production. It’s quite tiring lugging props and equipment onto a stage as well as operating the soundboard. Other days I’ve spent my time with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) campaigning for measures to be put on the November ballot and being involved with community organizing. Debate practice, SAT studying, college applications, and summer assignments have filled the rest of the hours in my day.

However, this past week I've been cruising. No more working, no more APEN, no more debate. Although I did study for a bit, I dedicated most of my time to myself, to enjoy the last few days that I had with my family, to enjoy my home, to enjoy my dog. This week, every day  I woke up early( to adjust to the different time zones), laced up my running shoes and took my dog, Jimmy, on a long walk. We’d walk up and down hilly streets, wave at Jimmy’s friends as we passed their homes, and enjoy the early morning. On walks, I play my music through my phone, loud enough so that I can hear it, but quiet enough so that I can hear the birds and my thoughts. My music flows like melted butter; Pink Floyd, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones let my mind wander, to think, feel, and believe what I please. What occupied most of my thoughts not only on morning walks but also during mid-day studying and emails, and nighttime packing and reading was our future endeavors in Nashville, Tennessee.

Overrun with curiosity and excitement, I feel like a dog with a bone. At the beginning of the week, I drafted a packing list based on the heat and scenarios that I’ve fabricated in my mind. I’ve imagined witty conversations with my roommate, where we laugh over trivial things, and create a strong bond. I made sure to pack the facilitator of deep conversations and the ultimate friendship creator - nail polish. I’ve packed all my clothing for the hot weather, and am ecstatic yet frightened for this 100-degree weather. Having lived in the foggy bay area all my life, I can’t fathom what the heat would feel like on my skin, I’d imagine it feel like when you are taking something out of the oven and the heat scorches your face. If that’s how hot Nashville is, thank God for air conditioning and shorts. I imagine Vanderbilt has shady green areas to sit and read, so I’ve brought my friendly Nook and plenty of paperbacks to consume.

Bags all packed and ready to go!

I felt like a dog with two tails when I received an email from my professor. She introduced herself and outlined what we would do in her course. We’ll be reading 3 novels, writing in our journals daily, and by the end of the course, we’ll have completed 25-30 pages of our very own novels. I can’t wait to meet her and my classmates, and take a formal writing class since we lack those in high school.  

The trip will be a wonderful, new, and exciting experience. I’m overcome with gratitude from Don Gosney, the school district, and the individuals who paid for this trip - thank you, thank you, thank you. It is beyond words how I feel and I promise to bring back the memories, insights, and my novel to share with all. I’ll miss my family, my friends, and my dog during the trip, but I know that the time is coming for me to spread my wings. This trip is only just the beginning.

I'll miss my family so much!!

In a few hours- dazed, exhilarated, and tired- I’ll load my luggage into my mom’s gray minivan and we’ll drive through the dark empty streets to El Cerrito High School. After months of anticipation, blogging, and logistics, the time has arrived at last.