Very soon

Well, I have been saying I was going to get this blog set up for some time now.. here it is!! I will be studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria this Spring semester. The purpose of this blog is to document my trip and some of my journal entries online; that way, if anyone is interested in hearing what I am up to you can stay up to date!

My departure date for Salzburg is January 20th, it is coming up very soon :) I still cannot believe I have this amazing opportunity to attend school in Salzburg! It is surreal to say the least. I feel very fortunate, and very thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way to prepare for this. Firstly, I thank my family for all of their love and support (even if my mom keeps trying to "convince" me not to go :p) Additionally, I thank my family, especially my mom, for helping shape my character, and instilling in me a desire for knowledge and truth. Also, I would like to thank everyone at Illinois Valley Community College for the wonderful educational experience you have provided to me, it has been stupendous. Lastly, I would like to thank Congress and the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program for selecting me as a scholarship recipient (Thanks also to Mr. Steve Alvin for making me aware of the opportunity).

For anyone who came to our New Year's Party last week.. THANK YOU!!! It was a blessing to see all of you and celebrate our friendship through the past year, and celebrate the beginning of a new one together. I hope to hear from you all while I am in Europe :) Feel free to e-mail me any time at: ogj_88@yahoo.com