Updates Updates Updates!

Ok... let me take a breath before I start this... so I have been doing a lot lately. First off, I'd really like to thank some people. I would like to thank the ladies in the Kent chapter of AFS for their wonderful donation. I am truly grateful for how generous you all were. Thank you to the NE Ohio Area Team for your donation. I would also like to thank a kind woman named Barb for sending me her donation, and last, but not least, I'd like to thank the contributor who donated to my blog ->
I will not know who you are until the end of the month when I recieve an email telling me who donated, but thank you so much. All of you will be getting a letter expressing my gratitude.

Now, I should tell you about my visa stuff. I went to the Honorary Vice Consulate of Italy in Cleveland on Tuesday. She basically stamped some papers and told me to send it to Detroit and I should get it back in a few weeks. I really hope my visa gets here before I leave. I would be horrified if it is like two days before I go and I still don't have it. Speaking of days, ONLY 42 DAYS UNTIL I'M ON THAT PLANE!!!

This isn't really about my exchange, but has anyone seen those Harry Potter movies! They are really good. I saw the first two when a couple years ago, but then my friend took me to se the last one the other day, and I have been watching them all to find out what happened in between. I can't believe I've been missing out on such a wonderful series!! I really love Harry Potter :)

All of my friends have been fighting over me to spend my last days with me before I go. My good friend took me to Olive Garden the other day. It was my first time ever going there! OMG they had awesome salad!

I really want to hear from my readers, so comment below and tell me if you love Harry Potter too!

That's all for now :)

Ciao :)

Thinking about my choice.

I think that today is going to be one of those days that feels out of control. So many things are going through my mind. I feel like I have so much to do in the next 52 DAYS! I have been making a packing list, learning more Italian, and trying to hang out with as many people as possible. I always have that voice in my head that says " Shante'! What on Earth have you gotten yourself into?!?" but I tell that voice to keep it's mouth shut! :)
It is only natural to be nervous before you go on the greatest journey of your life, but I know I am more anxious than anything. I have been thinking lately about why AFS is the best orginization to go abroad with, and I believe I know why. AFS sends you to a place you have never been, with no family member by your side, but at the same time you don't feel alone. They give you so many resources and ways to connect with other AFSers that you never feel all by yourself. I can't even begin to mention how many great friends I have that I haven't even met yet. I have friends all over the USA, in Italy, and several other countries! This experience is already the best part of my life so far. I am a very lucky girl.

Ciao!

Thank you everyone!

 I would like to thank all the people in the AFS Scholarship department along with a good friend of mine Marie for helping me so much with my tuition! This means I am officially $ 3,822 away from having it paid in full! I would also like to thank my landlord Dave for his donation as well! I am so blessed to have people that care about me and believe in my dreams as much as I do! I could never do this without you.

Visa Documents/ Fundraisers

 I recieved an email yesterday telling me that the visa documents are being sent to me. This means I can really start getting the visa appointment going. I also have been planning more into fundraising and reaching my goal. I still need to raise $5,722. Considering my original tuition of $13,000, I would definitely say that my goal is reachable. Please consider making a donation to my "Sponsor an AFSer" widget on the right hand side of my blog. The money goes directly into my AFS tuition. Also, spreading the word about my cause and my blog is highly appreciated. the URL to my blog is http://www.shantefencl.blogspot.com/  and you can also follow my blog for updates. If you know me in my town, I am willing to do any summer yard work, or babysitting to help pay for my tuition. Any "odd job" that you need help with is fine by me :) Just leave a comment on this post, or email me at shantefencl@yahoo.com. The AFS program is a huge part of my life, and I would love to bring back the Italian culture to our community by going on my exchange. This program not only benefits the life of the exchange student, but also the enitre community in both the student's home and host country. Thank you again for all your support!

Happy 4th of July!

It is so strange to think that next year, on this day, I will not be surrounded by barbeque and fireworks. In the U.S., we celebrate the 4th of July to recall the day we gained our independence from the British empire. We all have grown up having cookouts, listening to Chicago, and watching the fireworks with loved ones. That is why it is almost impossible to believe that only the people in the United States are doing it. I know that next year, I will share this day with my host famiy and friends as a normal day, but I will show them some of the things we do here. As of now, I can live for today, and enjoy my last Independence day in the USA! uh oh, now Bruce Springsteen is stuck in my head (BORN IN THE USA!)

HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE TODAY! :)