So it begins...

To be honest, I'm not really sure where to start with this.  I have only done a blog once before, and I didn't keep up with it all that well.  However, I did look back at it and found that it brings back very fond memories, things that I had all but forgotten even though they only happened a few short years ago.  So I have decided that for my next great adventure I am going to try to write everything down so I don't forget it.

As most of you know, I made the decision at the beginning of this year to leave medical school at MCG after over 2 years.  This was a difficult decision that came after significant consideration, but the bottom line was that I had become exceedingly unhappy with both my studies and my life.  Simply put, medicine was not meant to be my future.  So I left, with no idea as to what was in store for me in the months and years to come.

As fate would have it, my dad made a wonderful recommendation.  He suggested that I take the time I have now to go teach abroad.  In that time, I would be able to experience something new and also reflect on what I want out of life.  I took this to heart and started looking for programs, which lead me to CIEE Teach in Thailand.  I had to move fast, since the application deadline was only about a week after we had discussed teaching abroad as a possibility, but I made the deadline and was accepted to the program...YAY!!!

As of right now I don't know exactly where or who I will be teaching.  I will be in charge of English classes for students anywhere from 1st grade to 12th.  As for location, I am less likely to be in Bangkok and I won't be in the far south (due to local violence), but beyond that I don't know.  I should be hearing my school assignment any day now.  I do get paid for my work and I will be provided with faculty housing as well as most of my meals.  Traveling is encouraged, which is a plus since I have always wanted to travel in Asia and this will be my first trip there.

I will be leaving on April 30th (the flight is 23 hours...yuck) and will be staying for at least 6 months.  I may extend this to a years depending on various circumstances.  I hope to update everyone as frequently as possible, but I don't know what my internet situation will be like.  Also, before I leave I will be busy getting ready and won't have much to say--still have to move out of my Augusta apartment, prepare for this trip, and go to Belize/Guatemala for a week!!

So I suppose that will be it for now.  I will keep you informed of everything I am doing, but I also want to hear from all of you.  Please keep in touch!

Allison