Hi everyone! Though this is more a test of my website than anything else, this is technically my first blog post! As such, I feel that it is only fitting to delve briefly into the pre-departure thoughts and feelings. My plane from Des Moines leaves just six days from today, and though I feel ready, I am also feeling anxious. I will be leaving the U.S. exactly one year (to the day) since I last returned from my year in Malaysia, and I am presently stuck wondering the ways in which this summer will be different from my junior year. The more I contemplate, the more I realize it is far easier to think of the few ways in which these incredible international opportunities will be the same, for though the Venn diagram is large, the overlap is fairly little. I have the usual jitters about international travel: making sure I have all the right forms, stressing about layovers, etc. etc. I haven't packed yet, but that's a problem for future me. I am looking forward to everything ahead with great anticipation, and I honestly cannot wait to see what is in store! Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope to write again soon! -Isaac Vosburg 5/30/2025