in recent news...

...I graduated!

unfortunately, we didn't get many good photos together because there are mobs of people around after the ceremony, so we met at a restaurant across the street. my mom didn't meet up with us until after the ceremony so the opportunities just weren't there until later when we were back at our apartment.

I'm not sure how my dad found me in the sea of graduates (or how I found them), but he pulled it off! I like how in the second photo my friend John is looking at me like I'm crazy. Jordan was easier to find - he ended up right on the end of the row. I, however, was swimming right in the middle of the sea of graduates.

after the ceremony, we went out to one of our new favorite spots, Graydon's Crossing. lots of yummy choices of "traditional English fare" and tons of Indian-inspired dishes as well. not to mention 46 beers on tap.

back at home, we had a celebratory drink before we all parted ways. my parents and brother back home, and Jordan's parents to their hotel.

Aussie pride! I wore my flag under my robe ;)

thouuuusands of graduates

a real update

I figure it's time for a "real" update! and what better time to do that than very early in the morning, munching on my breakfast? :)

all in all, everything has been going very well. I'm working as a student teacher for the very last time in a very nice district. I'm working in a high school room, which is very different than what I'm used to (mainly the fact that everyone is taller than me) but the kids are so great. and the school is gargantuan. there are something like 70 teachers, and the building, from one end to the other, is ¼ mile long. coming from more urban districts with lots of small buildings as opposed to a few huge buildings, it was quite a shock for me.

the best part, though, is that everyone is very helpful and accepting and nice, and the program in place for these kids is really cool. I really couldn't ask for anything better.

nostalgia has been a close friend, and I still think about Darwin a lot. I miss everyone so much sometimes. I keep in touch with my Aussie parents and Blake and a few others via facebook, which helps. I have so many memories around my apartment from my trip, and it honestly doesn't seem like I've been away for nearly 3 months.

my only struggle now is graduation (in 5 weeks!), and what I plan to do afterward. I've been going back and forth between applying for teaching jobs overseas. I've recently taken a trip down memory lane and dug up my old assignments from my photography class years ago. I started kicking myself for not sticking with it - I love teaching, but these decisions would have been so much easier had I been a photo major. but then, who knows where I'd be now. my life would be very different.

speaking of photos, I have no good ones to go along with this post, but you can always visit my photo blog - sofiasnapshots.blogspot.com :)