Dedication to The Friends

With the school year winding down, everyone is realizing that we won't be together all summer like we have been during the school year. I am feeling this even more because I won't see anyone for what amounts to a full year (the 9 months in New Zealand plus the 3 in Beijing and Singapore that summer). It is really starting to hit me how much I am going to miss everyone in my life when I am gone.

To begin with, I live in the most amazing room ever and I cannot imagine not having all six of my roommates around next year. Living here for this semester has made my semester so much more fun than it would have been. It is great to walk into the apartment and see people rollarblading around with silver helmets and Mardi Gras masks on while brandishing lightsabers. I love the late night conversations and crazy planning that always seems to go on. There is always something wild happening in the apartment, whether it is the actual people who live here planning things or the other people who always seem to be in our apartment (you know who you are!). To all of these people, I want to say thanks for making it a great semester. Let's revive the HOTNESS in 2006!

I also have the best friends ever at Georgia Tech. Leaving like this is making me realize how lucky I really am to have this amazing support system. I know so many people who would do anything for me because they know I would do anything for them. I can't believe I am going to miss a whole year of stories and randomness that always seems to go on. There are too many to call out by name, but you know who you are, and you know that I am going to miss you so so much.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't think I could be any more excited about going to New Zealand and getting to spend 9 months in paradise. I know I am going to meet great people and have the time of my life and just be impacted by the experience I am about to have, but for the moment, I am enjoying how much I love my life here and savoring every moment I get to spend with all the special people in my life.

The first point in New Zealand to see the sun rise every day. Are you jealous yet? 

First Post

Hello and welcome to my blog!

For anyone who got here randomly (and I commend you for it), I am Katie Roan and I am spending the next academic year away from my home of Atlanta, GA, USA, to study in Wellington, New Zealand. I want to give a quick Thank you Rotary Club for this amazing scholarship here.

While I am in New Zealand, I will be using this to document all my happenings and adventures. (Yes, Tim, I was inspired by you!) This is in lieu of sending out mass amounts of emails. I will be posting links to pictures as well or trying to post them to the blog itself.

One other note: please send me email when I am in New Zealand (or at least comment my posts!). I will miss everyone so so much, and I want to know what all is going on back home. I can't be too left out because I will be back eventually! (After Beijing/Singapore Summer 2006 :) ). So send me email!

Thanks so much guys.


Current Countdown: 10 weeks til takeoff!