As the semester winds down, I realize that a lot of other things are coming to an end which is both exciting, but more bittersweet. A paper or two left, two little exams and the academics of this semester will be done. Unlike others who seem to be super stressing about finals and such, I'm starting to stress about the other things coming to an end.
Tomorrow (or technically tonight) will be our AIESEC end of the semester banquet. This will also mark the end of my AIESEC career. Earlier tonight, I gave a presentation with Williams and Lynn for the Madison International Trade Association and made some great contacts and had a great time and realized how much I am going to miss stuff like that. More importantly, I still haven't come to terms with leaving an organization that has connected me to such amazing people. I am going to try really, really hard not to tear up at the banquet, but looking at certain people might make that impossible. Thinking back to when I first came to Madison, I was a young freshman from another state that knew very few people and knew even less about who I was. Joining AIESEC that first semester of school was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Maybe it's the professional experiences I've gained, maybe it's the other cultures I've learned about, but nothing compares to the people that have come into my life because of AIESEC and have given me passion, direction and renewed values. There are those that I consider my best friends who I know I will always keep close and there are those that I might not have gotten as close to, but have impacted my life nonetheless. I am proud and happy of where AIESEC Madison is today and look forward to returning as an alumni for Wednesdays at Brats to see the amazing things to come. Either way, I will miss AIESEC, but it and everyone along with it will always have a big place in my heart.
Another stress is having to say goodbye. Next week I have to say goodbye to Grace who over the past year has become one of my best friends which makes me always forget that she's a trainee. She really is more American than I am considering her insane knowledge of our popculture. I have gotten so used to her being around the Barn to make me smile when I'm stressed, to decorate my cookies, to share shisha with and to party like only her Phillipina self knows how to. It won't be a definite goodbye considering we're already plotting some global meeting point to rendezvous in the next year. Either way, the Barn will be less lively without her. I will also have to say 'till next time' to Brokeback. Weird. As much shit as I give him for his 'uncontrollable' bodily functions, his eating of my food and his incanny ability to always know how to push my buttons, he will be greatly missed. As with Grace, I know I'll see him again sometime soon, perhaps in another country as the first time. Even still, he has become my best friend and most trusted writing advisor (do you really have to leave when I'm writing my thesis?!) and the last semester won't be the same without his goofy presence here. To both of you- thanks for everything and thank god for gmail chat.
I guess the saying is true that all good things must come to an end, but I'd rather not think of things as ending at this point. We will all be heading in different directions, probably doing amazing things (insha'Allah) and for that, I am excited. Sorry if this post seemed depressing, but that's not my intention. I am trying to make a better effort to celebrate the things that are good and to be thankful for how blessed I have been. Maybe this is me being over tired, or maybe it's the shisha talking, but either way, it's past time that I realize how lucky I have been throughout the years. Thanks to all of you.
