Weekend of September 23rd

After returning from Raquette Lake on Wednesday, I quickly prepared myself for a long, and hectic weekend at home. I traveled three hours home ( Nanuet, Rockland County) on Thursday and prepared for a crazy weekend with my family. This weekend it was my younger brother, Adam's, homecoming. My brother is part of the Varsity Football team, so in the midst of homecoming preparations, I got a chance to see my brother play on Saturday in a game against JFK High School. Adam's team won the football game, and I can proudly say my brother did a great job contributing to the win. After the game was over, all the boys were buzzing with excitement about the night that was yet to come. My brother quickly got ready after the game and tried to get everything that needed to be done finished before his Homecoming pictures. Pictures were all held at one of Adam's friends house and all the Seniors gathered there, looking their best, and ready for the dance. As we took pictures, I could not help but miss my Senior year of High School and was very proud of how my brother prepared himself for his big night out!

Raquette Lake

   On Monday, September 19, my classmates and I were given an opportunity that many other college students are not. My Block, along with Block 602, were taken to Raquette Lake. At first, I was very nervous and skeptical of being taken into the wilderness for 2-3 days with my peers. I wasn't sure how I was going to do, or what activities I'd be able to complete, considering this was the first time I have ever engaged in anything like this. During our trip, I was able to develop new friendships, hike, complete a low ropes course, canoe for the first time, sit by a camp fire, perform a skit for my peers, and see my teachers in a whole new light that would have not been seen in the classroom.

    I can successfully say, looking back on my short time at Raquette Lake, was not only exciting and fun, it was also an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life. During my time there, I was able to internally challenge myself, and push myself to new boundaries that I was never given the opportunity to do. My peers were amazing, as well as my teachers, and I was even given the chance to work closely with teachers from Thailand. Having the chance to talk to them, joke around with them, and learn about their culture was an experience that made the trip even more beneficial.

   Throughout my stay at Raquette Lake I was forced out of my comfort zone, and because I was not given a choice, I feel as if I have taken more away from the experience. Block 601, 602 and the Thai teachers all worked together and had an amazing time which shows me that the concepts of friendship, respect, and joy are things that are universal and can be applied to anyone. Things such as language barriers, and location held nothing against the wonderful time we all had together and it will be a memorable experience I will forever hold.

About Me

• My name is Danielle
• Outgoing, kind, energetic, understanding
• Sibling of one brother, Adam
• Lover of my family, my friends, and my education
• Who feels tired waking up for early morning classes, excited on the weekends, stressed when given tons of homework!
• Who fears heights, snakes, and haunted houses!
• Who would like to see the Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, and Grand Canyon
• Rockland County, NY
• Children's room of my hometown library
• Gonzalez