As an American in London I sometimes feel as though I am speaking a different language. You’ll receive puzzled looks if you ask for an iced Americano with skim as 1. The ice-coffee fad is only just making its way across the Atlantic and 2. You order coffee with milk by asking for “white coffee.” You will not be able to find zip-lock bags at the grocery store as they do not exist, and “fancy dress party” actually means “costume party” – whoops.
In attempting to break the cultural barrier the other day, I had a slightly shocking realization. I was explaining to a colleague that I am a junior in college, which obviously meant nothing to him. I tried phrasing it another way; “I am halfway through my university years.” Wait, hold the phone I thought to myself, I am HALFWAY through my university years? Where had the time gone? No like actually, WHERE HAD THE TIME GONE???
Logically this all did not make sense to me. I refused to believe my freshman and sophomore years had passed by so quickly – I needed an explanation. So I did what I always do when I am feeling overwhelmed, I made a list.
It turned out to be more of a timeline than a list, highlighting all the major events that have happened to me since I came to JHU. As I jotted point after point, I slowly began to realize that the time had flown as I worked to make a home out of Homewood. Between friends and classes, activities and work, the past two years have been a whirlwind of new adventures and exciting opportunities. I thought I’d share some of the highlights:
JUNE 2010
I graduate from RHS – a proud product of Ridgewood Publics Schools K-12
JULY 2010
I donate 13 inches of my hair to Locks of Love – a loss I still mourn to this day.
AUGUST 2010
I move-in to Johns Hopkins – this is the only picture of me from that day. Obviously my first day of school outfit needed a little work.
My suite-mate turns out to be Amanda, another RHS graduate who I wasn’t friends with in high school, but we soon become besties!
SEPTEMBER 2010
I begin my very first semester of classes at JHU!
I join the ranks of the Student Admissions Advisory Board and write my first blog!
OCTOBER 2010
I receive my first paper back at JHU, and find it bleeding red with my professor’s comments. I realize for the first time that I’m not in high school anymore.
DECEMBER 2010
I go home for Winter break and am reunited with my besties from high school. Here we are having some holiday fun.
JANUARY 2011
I go on a life changing 3-week Intersession Abroad Program to Madrid!
FEBRUARY 2011
I go through sorority rush and join Alpha Phi.
MARCH 2011
I go through my first Hopkins midterms with actual grades and learn some study techniques.
APRIL 2011
I get my Alpha Phi big, Annie!
My first Homecoming/Lacrosse Game.
MAY 2011
I spend my summer interning at Teen Vogue, waitressing and tutoring for the SAT.
AUGUST 2011
I move-in early to JHU to volunteer at Orientation and reunite with my friends.
SEPTEMBER 2011
We welcome a new group of SAABabies!
I start working for Admissions_Daniel, and get to work with JHU_Nick, JHU_Allysa and JHU_Kate!
OCTOBER 2011
Casino Night – an annual Alpha Phi philanthropic event to raise money for women’s heart health and a really fun time.
NOVEMBER 2011
I get really sick around Thanksgiving, but thankfully I have amazing support.
DECEMBER 2011
Annual Christmas festivities with my RHS friends.
JANUARY 2012
I spend a busy Intersession interning back at Teen Vogue, working on The Insider’s Guide and visiting my family in London. Here I am with my cousin Ellie!
FEBRUARY 2012
I experience Rush as a sister for the first time.
As pledge mom, I organized Alpha Phi’s Bid Night along with Dana and Sara!
MARCH 2012
I bond with JHU_Ruthie who eventually becomes my little!
Our pham on Revelation – we always do Korean Kareoke as tradition!
APRIL 2012
JHU_Ruthie and I in onesies going as “sloth” to a Seven Deadly Sins themed mixer.
My mom and I run a half-marathon in Central Park!
MAY 2012
Date party with the Pham!
JUNE 2012
Spending the summer interning at a publishing house in London and working on my Woodrow Wilson Research Fellowship. Here I am celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with Ellie!
JULY 2012
Hanging out in London with my friend Emily!
Site-seeing with my littlest brother in the UK!
all this talk about your locks of love donation and i never saw a pic of your short hair til now! tess you looked SO CUTE. also looking super cute in the last pic in london. you are such a DIVA now i love it
There are 3 pictures of me in this blog. I’ll take it.
You are so accomplished!! I will bring you sandwich bags when I visit haha; they have really good ones in la Suisse :)