When I first was leaving for Carpe, I was kind of numb. I couldn’t comprehend what I was about to do, or the impact it would have on me. Once I got on the trip, it hit me how enormous it would be, but even then, I couldn’t imagine. I’ve made new friendships, seen whole new worlds and ideas, and reforged myself. It’s been such an amazing opportunity to have been here, and there’s no way I deserved it. But a small army of people worked to get me here anyways, and I want to applaud all of you and give you a warm hug (preferably not at the same time). However, due to a few technical difficulties on my end, for now please accept my words in their place.
First, I’d like to thank the environment that got me here. Progressive teachers and counselors who really understood me had the good sense to recommend a gap year when I asked, and friends helped me through it. Thank you, everyone back home, for helping the idea grow.
Once it took root, the Carpe staff jumped in, fielding endless questions and helping me get on the right path. Thank you Heather, for your patience and support from home base, and Drew, for helping so much and giving Drews around the world a good name! And I’d like to thank the rest of the Carpe staff that I never even met; your work is much appreciated. Hansel, I’d like to single you out – you introduced me to two great new friends in Natty and Damian. The work you do makes Carpe so much richer.
Finally, I’d like to thank everybody who’s made this trip a blast. Our local contacts have done so much, from Josh’s warm welcome to our sad farewell under the care of Diane and West Bay Divers. Everyone we’ve worked with has shown up and shone in their own ways, and I appreciate every last one of you. Linking our group to the contacts have been our leaders. Brooke and Jeremy, you’ve changed this trip so much, and been so inspiring to see live. You’ve pulled the group to grow so many ways, and been a blast along the way. Do expect an ovation and a cinnamon roll hug by the end of all of this… The group, too, has always been a home for me, and together with the leaders you’ve probably been the element that’s changed me most of all. Thank you so much!
I’d like to throw out one last and final thank you to everyone, but I’ve got the nagging feeling I’ve forgotten something. Ah, well…
My family! The greatest family I could have ever had, from my excited and supportive aunts and uncles to my crazy brother and wonderful parents. I’ve been a slob about writing, and I’m sorry! Just know that everything you’ve done, beginning to end, has made this possible. Shoutout to the East Coast, and the Soisson clan, and the Southwest Brosts. And most of all, the nucleus back home in Burque. Ryan, Sean, Sus, you guys are great, and kept me sane this year. Carmen, if they kept me sane, you kept me social and alive. And Mom and Dad, I can’t begin to list what you’ve done for me. Helping me make everything and anything that needed to happen for this trip get done is a tall order for a lot of reasons, and you always knew when to help and when to let me flounder. Without you guys, I wouldn’t be here, in so many ways. I love all of you, and can’t wait to see you again!
Mushy stuff aside, I’ve been a small cog reaping the benefits of an intricate network backing me up. I’m so indebted to all of you, and more than that, grateful. Know that you’ve changed my life, and know that you’ve made a new friend (or been there for an old one). For all of you who I didn’t mention, you are unfairly neglected but not unappreciated, and one last time: thanks!