Tuesday, August 20, 2013

International Students

I received an necklace from a new friend, an International Chinese student. He told me the necklace represents our friendship and that he gave it to me for being his friend. 
I have been lucky to work International students getting ready for their first year at my school, Bishop O'Dowd. They have traveled from China and Europe to attend either a semester or a full year at O'Dowd. For many, it's the first time in the US.  I'm becoming friends with one of them. We have been talking to for a few days in person and through Facebook. He’s a bit shy and I’m still trying to get him to open up, but for the last couple of days, he and I have it it off.  He likes anime, I like anime-that’s all there is to say.

I guess I can show empathy right here in Oakland too! Here's a picture of the cool necklace he gave me and the box it came in. Did I mention he gave this to me in front of everyone??!!!



Monday, August 12, 2013

Friday, August 2, 2013

Feelings

Belize is like the taste of caramel candy. Ever notice how caramel becomes sweeter in your mouth even after it’s gone? That’s how I feel about my trip to Belize. Belize is sweet and flavorful.  I still remember each day perfectly and I wish I could go back.

Out of everything I partook on the trip, I have to say it was the people that made me feel so welcomed and open to everything that came my way.

           
The five other girls, their parents and I had so many adventures in Belize. We went zip lining, visited the zoo, explored the Mayan Temples, snorkeled, took boat rides and visited an orphanage and I enjoyed everything but it was the way I felt while in Belize that still stays in my mind.

I felt at peace in Belize. Can you understand what I’m saying? Every morning waking up to the sounds of the waves crashing outside of my cabana. Everyday we would take a boat from San Pedro in the Ambergris Cayes back to the mainland.  Stretching my legs and soaking up the sun during the ride felt amazing. I didn’t have any worries on the trip. I didn’t think about school, or my dad and I didn’t think about my junior year and taking the SAT  and that’s what made everything so special. It was the first time in a while that I didn’t have a care in the world and I really enjoyed myself.  


The people at the resort and in the city were all very relaxed and laid back too. They made all of us feel special. The name of this blog is Search 4 Empathy and when I thought of the name I could only hope that on my beginning journey I would find it. Well I found it and now I want to find it again. Maybe in Paris????