Belize

Well I must admit, traveling in my time off between school and work was the best decision. I went to Belize which sounds glamorous and exotic, but it was a very different than I expected. I stayed in Belmopan, the capital city, instead of the islands and got a full experience of the new culture. In the 8 days, I went cave tubing, went to the Belize zoo which was very exotic, got in a cage with a jaguar and got to pet him, hiked through the jungle, went on a 5 hour birding tour, visited the Amish, shopped at the market, picked up hitch hikers, cooked a pineapple pie and so many more things!

The way of life was so new and different. The people there explained it as an event oriented culture rather than a time oriented culture. I went to church on Sunday that was suppose to start at 10, and it actually started at about 10:15 and lasted over 2 hours, yet no one complained because that was the event they went to, not a time slot they were filling.

Driving around in Belize was a new experience too. The highways are the only roads that are paved, but they are one lane with two way traffic. There are random 'pedestrian ramps' or speed bumps everywhere. Yes, even on the highways. Looking around, I'd see houses about the size of my living room. The poverty was overwhelming. I couldn't imagine how the people there live, and yet everyone was so friendly and happy. It has opened my eyes too a new appreciation for everything I have been blessed with. Experiencing new things is what I love doing, and I feel like it helps me grow as a individual and be more open minded and considerate of others.

Time to Travel

I was told once that the best thing to do after college is to take a trip and travel a little. It seemed unconventional because society it always pushing us to get a job, make money, get married, and start popping out kids like bullets. Now I realize what great advice that really was. This is the last time that I will be able to take a vacation without missing classes or taking time off from work. After I start working, I will have a job for the rest of my life (hopefully). I have nothing holding me down, controlling my time, or bills to pay.
It doesn't really matter where you go I guess, as long as you enjoy the freedom. Even student who paid for college with student loans can take a trip because they can wait a few months before they have to start paying the loans back.
With this is mind, I am headed to Belize for 9 days to enjoy my one off of everything. My family and I have decided to take one last trip together before everyone scatters back into their separate lives. Tomorrow morning will start another new adventure for me. I'm not really sure about the details of this trip yet, but between the historic scenery, beautiful beaches, and great need on the people in Belize. I cannot wait to see what astounding things happen! I'll keep ya updated as soon as I get Internet access again.

Starting Out

Well it's official, as of December 15, 2012 I am a Texas Tech University graduate. I received my degree in Personal Financial Planning in 3 1/2 years, amazingly. I wouldn't trade my college experience for anything, but I am now ready to look to the future and take on a career. At the beginning of my last semester in college, I got a job offer from a financial planning firm that I did a summer internship with. After careful consideration, I accepted this job offer and am now preparing to transition from college life into 'real life.' Because this seems to be somewhat of a gray area in the ideal life plan, I thought I'd document my experiences in order to write my own life journey.
Although this is only day two of my after-college life, it is starting to hit me that I have left all my friends and my home for the past few years behind. I won't get to see my friends every single day, go to class and do projects, or work crazy hours and not sleep for days. However, with the thrill of a new adventure just ahead, I can distract myself enough by focusing on the positive things and all the new and exciting experiences I am about to encounter. Look out world, here I come.