So, I sit here in my room in tiny Brookville, Ohio. And my mind cannot help but run wild. In 4 days, I am leaving everything I know and headed to a place that will be very much different from SW Ohio... a place that I have spent 21 years. Over the past few weeks, I have had the chance to reflect on all of my experiences and I must say that I'm not sure if I am ready. Nothing has or can prepare for the adventure that I am about to embark on and that scares me. In fact, my excitement has grown to anticipation and nervousness.
"Hi! My name is Matt Hoffman and I am a junior International Studies major from Brookville, Ohio." If I had a nickle for every time I have said those words... However, this is my formal introduction, a big "howdy" if you will, to everyone who will read this... my friends and family, my professors and staff members at Miami, and to anyone who wants to follow me on this journey into the unknown. I welcome you to what will surely be one of the biggest challenges of my life. I encourage you all to read, to comment, to respond, to email, to facebook, to travel 4,000 miles to visit... you know, the usual stuff.
Anyone who knows me will say that my love and enthusiasm for Miami is obvious and contagious, and some might say that it verges on annoying. These same people will also realize how hard it is for me to leave a place I love so much for 4 months... a place that I missed so much over the summer that I would drive down at least once a week, even though I spent the first half of the summer on campus as an orientation leader. I will miss football, hockey, campus in the fall, my friends, and even my classes. But I know that it is finally time for me to take a chance, for me to leave the airport in a strange city and to make a place for myself. Maybe this is what frightens me the most.
So, thank you to everyone who helped me reach this point and please keep in touch. I am just a quick phone call or e-mail away. À bientôt.
Love & Honor
Matt
5 comments:
Hi Brother! Good luck with your big trip. I know everything will be fine since you have no problems getting things done around here. You'll have plenty of fun and frankly I'm jealous that you get to take such a great trip (and sorta an extended vacation).
I just wanted to inform you that I will be reading this religiously. I have to say, the first post did not leave me disappointed... good luck with everything Matt.
SOULove,
Mandy
Matt - Thanks for inviting me to your FACEBOOK group and the link to your blog. I look forward to watching as you fulfill your dream of study abroad. If you ever have a chance to get to Qatar, you have a place to stay! And, if I come to central Europe, I'll stop by as well.
Good luck with all...
Best always,
Denny Roberts
Hey Matt...! Great first post... I remember my blogging experiences from Spain this summer and I cannot wait to read about all of your travels... when you return we'll have to swap stories and pictures!! Have a great time...!!
Your ZOO buddy... :)
Good luck man. I'll try and track you the next couple months. Knowing you you'll be fine. I'll also have to update you everytime OU beats Miami in something or other. Go Cats!!!
Chris
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