Today I got to have a meeting with some people that will be designing dorms in the future. I enjoyed changing their view on things and learning about finances. In addition, it was tacos birthday, which we managed to get a party. Mathew helped us a lot. We also had the talent show which was great! I had a lot of fun today and I've had a lot of fun at this camp. Gearup has really helped me get on the track to sorting my life out.

Here's a drawing I did.

My Perspective

I'm quite upset right now, but it's okay. Let me explain.

When I signed up for gearup this year, busses would not be provided. I live with my grandparents and they cannot drive. My aunt, who I have known more than my mother, lives very close by and is constantly involved in the family. When my aunt heard I was going to gearup again this year she got very flustered and said "Well I'm not driving you up there, I don't want any part of this." When she said this I told her and my grandparents "Okay, that    is fine, this is something I am determined to do and I will find a way with or without your help." Which I did, I managed to get a ride as well as a backup ride.

However, we got a curve ball. A couple weeks before gearup, I get a call from my 13 year old sisters father(we are half sisters). I hadn't seen my sister in years and her father calls to tell me that she has inherited a couple mental disorders from our mother, and she is also in her rebellious phase. My sister had run away. When they found her they recommended that my sister take a break from home for a while, i.e. my aunt.

My sisters father asks my aunt to watch my sister for a month, she agrees. I loved seeing my sister again, it made me very happy. However, my aunt had to work majority of the time, which left me to babysit, I didn't mind.

Then I had to leave for gearup. My sister was meant to stay until a couple days after I returned. However after I left my aunt decided that this was too much work and that my sister needed to go home. My sister went home 5 days after I left camp. Which was not the plan, and very upsetting.

Well before I left for gearup my aunt felt very guilty for making me babysit so much, so she told me she would give me a ride to and from gearup. She drove me here.

Now it is 3/4 days before the end of the camp. And my aunt texts me. She says that she can't give me a ride because her AC went out and it would be really uncomfortable driving up here. She tells me to figure it out.

Now I'm used to figuring stuff out on my own. My grandparents don't have a lot of money and they don't know much about school or college. However I'm tired of these people in my life that are meant to be supportive, always bailing on me because I am nice and capable of taking care of myself. I feel as though if you promise something, you should hold true to that promise. Even if you get a little sweaty.

Even though it has been a huge struggle both financially, mentally, and physically, I'm really glad I was able to get to this camp. I feel like I have learned so much and that I don't have to feel as alone when I am thinking about my future. It's really nice to not feel alone.

Today we have a walk. I learned how to call someone beautiful in Arabic but I can't type it. I love my poncho. Nothing special has really happened today. There are a lot of shirtless men at uk ?
Why

Today I was worn out. I'm not entirely sure why. I had Arabic for the first time. It was okay. I love learning about new cultures.I got a new poncho.

 The place is still swarming with cheerleaders. All in all today was neither good nor bad. I'm happy.

Today I slept, then went out with my friend Casey and her family. It was really nice to see them, they are like family. Sadly I missed the Olympics, but I don't really mind because I got to spend time with people I care about. It was a fun day.  Here's a fun picture of me.

Today is a chill day, I like being able to relax. The WiFi is a bit touch and go so I am going into the library to get my blogging done now. There are room checks today, the Ecuadorian Exchange, and the dance party coming up. I'm excited about the dance party, everyone here is fun and I feel like we will have a good time. Here is a picture I drew of someone for acting class.

In photography I took lots of very nice pictures. It was great.

I took both of the pictures shown here. It is a bit difficult though because my phone dies when I take pictures; but I can make it work!




I really like being able to create things, i.e. painting, drawing, photography. Ive really enjoyed scratch, my elective, as well, I love being able to make my own games.

My classes were fun today. The lunchroom wasn't as full. We have a lot of library time. I like being here. I'm glad I stayed.

Today was fun. I got to play drums again. The lunch wasn't as crowded. We always have trouble finding someone to walk us to lunch though. :'c

Today it rained a lot, but scratch was fun. We had a pizza party in the dorms. I find it hard to type on my tablet.

Today we had the olympics. I overslept. It was fun. There was a pizza party.

I had lots of fun and met many new people today. I enjoyed learning about different cultures and I enjoyed the food. I'm tired now. Night.

10

Today was my sisters birthday. Im sad that I couldn't be down to see her.I got to talk to her for a bit though which was nice. Classes are the same. Today is the last day of Global.

July 9

Today I went through my second set of classes, they were fun. I had photography and world music. The drums are a lot of fun to play and I am excited to go out and play with the paint cans, again.I really love how beautiful Uk's campus is as well.  I mean, obviously it isn't as pretty with all the construction going on, but it is still lovely.

                                   This is a drawing of me taking a selfie.

July 8. Third day.

Today is my third day of gear up. I had classes for the first time this year. They were chill. I had communication, acting, and education. I had all 3 last year so I remembered all of it, but the communications teacher was different. (Last year he kept being late so... I guess that's good!) The food is average, not a lot of people like it but my family cant cook so I don't care. 

Here's a picture of an egg.