A BIG Move...

It's been over a year since I last posted...oops! Well, to catch you up on what's happened since I last posted: "Evergreen" was finished and we are waiting to hear about any acceptances into festivals, I graduated (AH!), and I've spent the summer working three different jobs, all leading up to the next chapter in my life, and my latest job. In 24 hours, I will be heading to the airport to board a plane to France, where I will be living and working as a Teacher's Assistant for the next 8 months...So, you know, nothing crazy. I'll be working at Lycée Ambroise Paré in Laval, a town about 2 hours west of Paris by train. It didn't really hit me until today how big a change in my life this is. Last year, I spent my birthday away from my family, which was odd, but not something that major. This year, I'll be missing every holiday with the family from Halloween on. I know it's going to be rough - both for me and for my family - but I am also anxiously looking forward to this new chapter. I'm already talking to other assistants about trips to take during our breaks (did I mention we get like 7 or 8 weeks of vacation...?), including returning to Ireland and venturing to Morocco in North Africa. I'm lucky enough to have been placed in the same academic region where my friend Jérôme lives, and his family is going to help me with the transition and dealing the logistics (finding an apartment, opening a bank account, etc.). So, with just a drastic change coming, it's not much of a stretch to say I'm nervous. The butterflies started a few days ago, always coming in little spurts. But I think that's always a good sign - those butterflies are a sign of excitement, and of a new challenge to face. The butterflies mean there's a new opportunity for me to learn and grow. I get to learn more about a culture I care deeply about, while also teaching students about my own. I'm nervous, a little sad, but also happy. I know I've got the support of loving parents and a caring sister, and so many friends who are wishing me luck on the latest journey. And I'll have time to work on my writing more (if I want to get into grad school in the next few years, I need some more films under my belt)! So, the future is uncertain, as it always is, but what is certain is this: I'm taking a big step into a new chapter in my life, and I do it knowing that I will be challenged in new and exciting ways and supported by the love of friends and family. I'll keep the blog updated as often as I can, and hopefully I can get some vlogs up, as well. Until then: sit down, strap in, and get ready for take-off.