But first, let me apologize for not writing up that final Italy post I promised. I'm not going to do it now, but I am sorry that never happened.
However, it is a new day, a new month, and (in case you didn't notice) a new blog layout! For those of you who don't know, I am taking a gap year.
LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)
But, what's a gap year?
I'm glad you asked Logan. A gap year is the newest craze among recent high school graduates. Instead of heading straight to college, a student chooses to take a year off before going to college. The USA gap year fair website defines it as this:
A Gap Year is a period of time between completing high school and beginning college when a student steps outside the traditional classroom experience. This is a time to explore the world, reflect on their personal values and goals, and prepare to take the next purposeful step in life. Gap Year programs give students a developmental advantage over their peers by providing them with an opportunity to expand their perspective and gain direction that give the college years meaning and focus. For many students, Gap Year programs provide them with time to develop independence and confidence as well as pursue various fields of interest.
LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)
But what's a gap year fair?
Since I'm having more trouble wording this definition as well, I'll quote the pro's again.
USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and the Gap Year experts. These events are designed to provide students with a broad exposure of Gap Year Programs and the opportunity for face to face conversations with the people who work in the field. For students and parents interested in Gap Year, these fairs are the legitimate source to connect with reputable organizations that focus on Education, Service and Personal Growth.Each booth gives you a brochure too, so you have like 50 at the end of the day. But not everyone goes abroad, many kids choose to work or take a few classes from home. Which is cool too.
LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)
So, what's your gap year?
I'm glad you asked Logan! I will be spending one academic year, nine months in Israel (and some time in Rwanda), the program I chose is called Young Judaea Year Course. And its great, go check out the website!
LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)
I'm too lazy to actually look around on the website, can you just tell me what its all about? Where will you be living? How many kids are on the program? What will you be doing there? Will you be safe there? You also said something about Rwanda?
You sure ask a lot of questions Logan. But I'm glad to answer them for you, since you clearly care so much about my personal well being. I'll answer these one at a time.
Q:Where will you be living?
A: I'll be living in three different places while in Israel, the program has three sections (section 2 represent!) we rotate locations every three months. My biggest problem right now is that I don't know who I'll be rooming with yet, though I'm sure it will be fine. For my first three months I'll live in Tel Aviv, specifically Bat Yam, in an apartment. My second three months, the "Israel Experience" section. I believe I'll be living in Yemin Orde Youth Village which is near Haifa. The village is home to around 400 high school students who have recently immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union. Its their home, school, and family. For my final three months, I'll be living in a dorm in Jerusalem.
Q: How many kids are on the program?
A: About 300, but around 100 per section.
Q:What will you be doing there?
A: I'll be taking classes part-time and doing a lot of volunteering. What I really love about YC (Year Course) is that its going to help me learn how to be independent. I knew if I wanted to take a gap year that I didn't want to be treated like I'm still in high school. I'll be completely responsible for myself, just like any other 18 y/o in college.
Q: Will you be safe?
A: Yes! The thing about Israel is when we do hear about it in the news, it usually isn't a positive event we're hearing about. But just in case you're not convinced, I'll have an Israeli cell phone (that will have very minimal texting...) with a GPS tracker in it that only Young Judaea can see. And if (God forbid) something does happen while I'm there, they can text me and say "Don't get on the bus" or "Stay where you are" in 50 years of YC's existence there hasn't been a serious injury or death that relates to Israel's national security or anything of that sort. So I'll be good.
Q: You said something about Rwanda?
A: Yes! I did! I'll actually only be spending two months in Haifa. The middle month of the three will be spent in Rwanda living at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. Similar to the youth villages set up in Israel following the Holocaust, the ASYV was created for kids who were orphaned during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. It's a very sad and dark part of Rwanda's history, and if you want to learn more about it, I suggest watching the movie Hotel Rwanda. It is fantastic.
So there are all your questions answered Logan, I'm gonna go now...
LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)
Wait! When are you leaving? And when are you coming back?
Oh right, I'm glad you asked. I leave Chicago this upcoming Saturday, September 1, 2012 to NYC. My flight for Israel leaves out of JFK at like 11:50 PM on Sunday, September 2, 2012. There are two one week-long breaks over the nine months. I may return for one, but I also may go to Greece. I'll be sure to let you know Logan. I return on June 3, 2013.
LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)
Isn't that your nineteenth birthday?
Yes. Yes it is.
Buuut yeah! That's about all I have to say for this post. I'm going to try to post at least once a week. But no guarantees. One new feature I would like to mention is the little box on the right above my blog view counter. Above that box it says "Meet me in your inbox!" That means that instead of checking back every day or having to subscribe to my blog, you can just type in your email address and you'll receive an email that tells you when I've written a new post.
Now, my mom wants me to go finish packing. But I think I'm just going to go watch Mean Girls.
If you have anymore questions or you want to say hi or something of the sort, email me at JuliaRosiee@yahoo.com ! or message me on Facebook. And if you send me your address I'll be sure to send you a post card at some point!
As Always,
Julia Rose Katlin
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