I arrived at the Comfort Inn today around noon with my parents and grandmothers. We walked into the hotel and met the coordinator, Nate Dyer shortly after we entered. He is a very nice man, tall, pretty eyes, and super nice. My family and I talked to him for a little while and then I saw this pretty girl come over. I wondered if she was in the group as well because she looked at me while I was talking to Nate.  She walked over and introduced herself. Her name is Viva and she is very nice and super pretty. She asked me if I had a room and I said no, she then asked me if I wanted to room with her because she had an extra bed. I accepted the invitation and put my bags down in the room.

Nate asked us if we wanted to order pizza. We said yes and a few minutes later my parents and grandmothers left. I was sad to see them leave but I know it wasn’t a goodbye. Viva and I met another girl who was in the group and her name is Sarah. Now, there was me, Viva, and Sarah, all juniors. We met up with two other girls, Janna (a junior) and Ikwe (a senior), moments later and all sat down and ate pizza. When the last girl, Emma (a sophomore), joined us I knew that these girls were going to be some long-term friends of mine! There is one guy in the group and his name is Zach (a senior).

We had half of the orientation today and then all went out for dinner at an Italian restaurant then walked a little bit to get gelato. After dinner, we all came back to the hotel and went up to our rooms. Viva and I invited everyone up to our room for tea. While she was french braiding my hair, we heard a knock on our door, it was Janna and Ikwe. The four of us drank tea and talked about our favorite shows/movies and our favorite music. Turns out we all like One Direction! We talked for a good hour or so.

Now, it’s bedtime. We are getting up early tomorrow for breakfast and at 10 we have the rest of orientation. Then its off to the airport for our flight to France. I can’t believe this day is here already. Time flies!!! I am super excited and Viva and I might even be going to the same school in Rennes, so I’ll know someone!

Tonight, while we were having our little tea party, we realized that that was one of our last conversations to be held in English. I am really ready to go on this adventure and I am really glad I have these friends to share the experience with.

Tomorrow will be my last blog from the USA!!

So until then, à toute à l’heure!

~Tara