Returning Home

My last week in New Orleans turned out to be pretty crazy trying to get everything done and studying for the exam. Tulane changed their requirements right before I started and all students are now required to write a paper or take an exam in order to graduate. Since I have to write a paper on my practicum anyways I decided I'd rather take the exam. It was offered for the first time last May and I had heard it hadn't gone well so was really nervous about it. I found out in the middle of the week that I was the only one taking it and they wanted to know if I could take it on Monday instead of Saturday. That wasn't going to work since my parents wanted to leave Sunday morning so I took it on Friday instead. It wasn't too difficult but there were definitely questions about things I had never heard of. The first half was suppose to be based on the 6 core classes everybody takes so I should have at least heard of everything. I took a half hour break between the sections & by the time I went to start the next part, I was told that I had passed the school section. That boosted my confidence for the rest of the exam. The second half was for my department and had questions based on the 2 required classes for the department--one of which I had exempted. I found the questions easier for the class I didn't take then for the class I took! I also had to do a case study. This section was hand-graded by a faculty member as soon as I finished and I learned that I had passed it as well. I had figured it would be weeks until I knew so it was exciting to know it was all good.

My parents arrived while I was taking the exam and we went out to dinner that night and walked around the French Quarter. Saturday my mom helped me pack up my room and I took care of several last minute things. I turned in my keys and stayed in my parents hotel that night so we could leave early. Sunday morning we headed out around 7:30 am with a quick stop on Canal St to get a picture of school before getting on I-10. The drive wasn't bad and we decided to just keep going instead of getting a hotel for the night. We made it back to West Bend around 1 am. Now I'm busy unpacking all my junk, sorting what I need now or during PC, and storing everything else for the next 2.5 years! Both my parents are pack rats so of course I am as well and can't bear to throw anything away that I might need in the future!

Since I'm saying good-bye to New Orleans, I thought I'd add a few pictures from my memories this year at Tulane.

Allison & I at the All-Grad Student Party at the World Trade Center Building.

Inas, my friend & Fulbright Scholar from Iraq, and I at a SPHTM party at Rock 'n Bowl.

Halloween Party at Dr. Mason's house.

Ashu & I at the aquarium.

Katie & I collecting beads.

Anna & I enjoying Mardi Gras.

The Vagina Monologues cast.

Celebrating the end of the semester at Aiesha's farewell party.

Tidewater--where the School of Public Health is located

And a few around New Orleans...

Whats in a name?

My Peace Corps Welcome Book informed me that Burkina Faso used to be called Upper Volta which rings a bell from some African Studies class I took back at Madison. I'm not sure what I learned about the country other than these two names but I'm trying to gather more info now. The Welcome Book states that the name was changed in 1984 following a coup the year before. Their translation of Burkina Faso is "Country of the Upright." I was confused by this but alas there is a clarification--upright in terms of meaning honorable people.

The Travel Book by Lonely Planet also discusses the name. They say the literal translation is "Homeland of the Incorruptible" or "Country of Honest Men." The name comes from words from two different commonly spoken languages; the More word for 'pure' and the Dioula word for 'homeland.'

A book I just read written by a Togo RPCV translates the country name as "Land of the Brave." Sounds kind of American huh?

Since we're discussing names, just a quick note on the capital, Ouagadougou. This is pronounced "Wa-ga-du-gu."

I feel like Burkina Faso has a lot to live up to with such a name!

Gulf Shores

I spent the weekend of the 4th at Orange Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was lots of fun and really relaxing to spend 3 days on the beach and playing in the sand! I went with Allison and several of her friends from LSU -- Karl, Jason, Chris, and another Allison. Our condo was right on the beach and we were able to walk down the road to a beach bar at night. On the evening of the 4th we saw firework shows going on all up and down the shore. I realized this was my first Independence day in the U.S. since high school. In 2004 I was in Cyprus or Greece, 2005 was in Kenya, 2006 was Mexico, and 2007 was China. I guess I like to travel!!! Here's a few pics from our crazy weekend.

Its Official!

I accepted my invite for Burkina Faso this morning so its definitely happening! I'm trying to take care of all the paperwork they want but its a lot to get done. I got my passport & visa pics yesterday and need to FedEx them in along with the application and my current passport. I also am working on my Aspiration Statement and updated resume. It sounds like this is the only thing that gets sent to Burkina Faso so its important that I make a good impression. I'm suppose to include all my experience, skills, and interests in the resume so its different than what I normally use.

I met with my advisor on Monday to talk about my independent study. Turns out the data I need to use is all in French so I have to start learning quickly! He agreed to help translate for me but it definitely is going to be more of a challenge than I had expected.

I'm headed to the Gulf Shores tomorrow with my friend Allison to celebrate the 4th. Should be fun to hang out on the beach for a few days and spend time with her before I leave! She has been a great friend over the last year and I really hope she comes to visit me in West Africa!