Support That I Did Not Expect

These past few weeks have been an interesting experience for me. I never expected to get such a supportive response from Blue Ridge Community College. Over the past week I have been contacted and congratulated by professors, students, administration, a committee and public relations.

The first person I had the pleasure to meet was Mrs. Tiller, her response alone made me want to strive even more to enjoy and record my journey over the next year. She was extremely excited to hear that a student from BRCC had gotten accepted to the program, and was eager to meet the individual (me). I spent near an hour telling herself about me and listening to her stories about her own international travels.

It wasn't long before I was meeting more and more interesting people. She quickly stated that she would like to introduce me to Dr. Bob Young the Vice president of the college. I was quite surprised and almost taken off guard that the vice president would want to take time out of his day to meet a simple student such as myself. Even in the fact the conversation was just as strong as the first and was even more amazing to me. I could hardly believe that I was in Dr. Youngs office and that he had actually asked to meet me.

I soon came to find out that both of them were members of a committee to encourage students to take part in international studies and exchange. I was asked to stop by the committee meeting and make a quick introduction of myself so that all involved could put a face to the BRCC representative. This was yet another shock to me; why would an entire committee want to meet me? Even more shocking was the support that followed the 10 to 12 smiling faces taking interest in my study and the excitement they felt for me.

The most baffling thing for me was when I was once again contacted this time I was informed that the President Dr. John A. Downey wanted to personally meet me. WOW WOW WOW This was an honor to have the president take time out of his day and duty's to meet a simple student. The excitement has become overwhelming.

So many people have reached out and congratulated me for achieving as they have said "a great honor" in being selected as a participant in the program. I told all of you in person and I wish to tell you again... Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and encouragement... I hope that I can make all of you proud and provide inspiration for future students.

While I am thanking people I would like to also thank my friends and family, the men at the Gemeinschaft Home, the community as a whole that has supported me and is encouraging me to go. I love you guys.