How in the world did I end up halfway across the world?

Four years ago, I began my college education at the University of Iowa. Going into college, I knew that I wanted to travel abroad, whether it be studying abroad or finding another way. After discovering a program called Camp Adventure, I knew I had a found a way to do just that. My first summer working as a camp counselor for Camp Adventure was spent in Key West, Florida. It wasn’t as far as I would have hoped to travel, but it was definitely an incredible summer that I will never forget. After that, I was able to travel to Oahu, Hawaii for a week-long Spring Break camp. And, last summer, Camp Adventure sent me to Garmisch, Germany.

Maggie M, myself, Courtney, Maggie A, and Kay - my favorite Camp A girls!

I had the time of my life last summer while living in Garmisch and travelling to Rome, Paris, Prague, Salzburg, Budapest, Berlin, Munich and Amsterdam. This experience fueled my desire to continue travelling and to see the world. So, after talking with people who worked at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, I decided that coming back here to work would be my main priority to pursue during my senior year at Iowa.

The interview process couldn’t have gone better, I drove down with two friends, Aleena (who also applied) and Lauren (who came along for a girl’s getaway weekend in Louisville) in late February 2012. Aleena and I both got offered jobs in our interviews and went out to celebrate later that night in Louisville!

Aleena, myself and Lauren in Louisville!

 

Fast forward to July 8, 2012, when I waved goodbye to my family and grandparents and jet-setted to Garmisch, Germany. I was about to find out what was in store for me and about to embark on one of the greatest adventures of my life. 

Sarah took this photo as I am about to walk through the gates at the Cedar Rapids Airport. Ciao Iowa!