Early Graduation Present

Whitney M.

January 31, 2010 - 11:20 PM

This weekend, my friend Kinsley and I went home to Portland so that I could take my Columbia admissions test.

My dad took the opportunity to make one of his signature dishes: borsch.

It is a good thing that we girls are no stranger to pungent vegetables because it would have killed dad if we didn't, but we ate it right up. As we were sitting at the dinner table eating and talking, we happened on one of our more frequent discussions: European travel.

Kinsley spent a year living in France as an au pair and took the opportunity to see as much of Europe as she could. She and I both share a love of French language and culture, so we talk a lot about her experiences there.

One day, a few months ago, I was looking online for volunteer abroad opportunities because I realized that with the recession, I might need to work my way around Europe if I wanted to see it the summer after I graduated.

Of course I discussed this with my dad and he encouraged me to look further into this idea. As I looked it became more challenging than I thought, so tonight, when the subject was breached, I said, "Well I guess I just have to call the volunteer company and ask them directly."

Kinsley said: "Well you'd better hurry. It takes forever to get passports and visas-not to mention planning your trip!"

"Wow! Well I guess I should get on it!"

"Well, that may not be necessary," my dad said sitting next to me at the table.

I looked at him. "What?"

"I am giving you and Collin a trip to Europe this summer as a graduation present."

And there it was. Everything I could have ever asked for.

My future husband, my most aspired-to-visit country, and a bachelor's degree to take with me-just before entering graduate school.

So here I am-happy as can be-getting ready to plan my trip. It is a daunting, but incredibly blessed task to undertake.

Don't worry! I will keep you updated on all of the planning!