Mia in Santa Barbara

Just realised Mia moved to Santa Barbara! The sun is precisely why I loved it.

I.V. I Love You

This past week has been one filled with sadness, pain, and horror at the terrifying events that took place in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara; the same streets and neighbourhood I called home last year. Through all the dark talk about the NRA, misogyny, and politics, has shone the beautiful light of I.V. and UCSB’s community coming together in love and support. It hurts not being there, but you are all so inspiring and I love you so much. I will always believe that guns have no place in everyday society, and feel upset and angry that in some places the fear is made very real. The gunman’s actions cannot in full be blamed on his weapons, but the ease at which he could legally obtain three firearms and over 400 rounds is astounding. His twisted ideology highlights the importance of women’s rights, not for the quick call upon feminism, but because blaming his actions on insanity is not enough. He felt entitled to women, and there is something so devastatingly wrong with that. It is something that must be universally addressed, here in New Zealand too where groups like the Roast Busters are not dealt with seriously enough. To honour these victims and others worldwide we must change our mentality and the way we treat and talk about these cases, and in doing so, help prevent more atrocities from occurring.

Blues

I have been in Santa Barbara for exactly one week, and have been kept very busy up until today, with readings and study to be done, meeting lots of new people, getting things organised, going to parties, and  hiking. I'm sitting inside my dorm with my roommates, talking about boys and clothes, sipping strawberry wine. I was looking through old photos of home when I get an email from a really good friend who lives far away. Someone who understands what it is like to live away from home, to feel like everything is new and exciting, but also that there must come a time when the travelling, bohemian lifestyle, and dreaming must change; because there are responsibilities that we have to keep.

I love and adore being here so much; and am so grateful for this opportunity, but this is the first time I have felt truly homesick, I'm tired, I miss him so much, and all I can do is sit here and cry. Maybe it is goodbye, I really don't know.

But tomorrow is a new day, and for that I am excited.

Santa Barbara

Arrived in Santa Barbara on Sunday! Can't believe this is actually happening - it all feels very surreal. Have already met many wonderful people and adore the Spanish inspired architecture of the whole town. For some reason I have managed not to be too affected by jetlag (yet?); went to sleep at 9pm local time and woke up at 6am. I hope this lasts! Excited for a new day exploring.

Santa Barbara

Flights booked for my exchange to Santa Barbara, California next year!

UCSB

This afternoon I received my acceptance letter from the University of California, Santa Barbara for an exchange for the 2013 Winter and Spring quarters! Extremely excited but nervous for the adventure; have spent hours making pro/con lists about each of the halls. Leaning towards either Manzanita or San Rafael because there will be less freshmen, but still unsure. Any recommendations?