Positive Energy

I'm going to Cortona this summer! It's all happening really fast, and each step of the way I'm not quite sure if things will actually pan out. But the point is things are happening.

Starting with my acceptance into the program, things have accelerated and - though I'm not really sure how - have fallen into place. My passport came in the mail and, not too long afterward, came a marvelous letter from the Cortona office awarding me a $1,500 scholarship. This is in exchange for assisting in studios, the visual library, and in setting up the galleries - and I can't wait! At that point, I knew that I couldn't simply let this pass me by. I applied for a private loan for $10K without a co-signer and was approved online (thank you, financial gods!). After talking with Financial Aid, I was able to adjust my estimated cost of attendance in order for me to keep the entire amount of the loan AND the scholarship, along with the money that HOPE will cover for tuition. I made the gutsy move to book my flights already, and I've got the hefty price sitting on my credit card. Waiting. I've been nervously drumming my fingers this whole time, waiting and hoping that I'll be able to go: it all depends on the loan.

Ten minutes ago, I found out that everything's set: the payments will be dispersed starting next week.

My flight leaves on Thursday, June 4th. I'll be flying from Atlanta to New York, and then from New York to Naples via Dublin. In Naples, I'll be staying in a hostel overnight until we meet up on Saturday night, giving me a chance to wander and explore. Coming home, I'll be leaving Venice on August 10th and flying back to Dublin for a 5 hour layover (checking out the city briefly, of course). Then, I'll return to New York and stay in a hostel (hopefully in Harlem, so I can check out the jazz scene at night and Chinatown in the morning) finally returning to Atlanta mid-day on the 11th.

This entire process has been eye-opening. From day one, the moment I decided to actually go for it, I've kept this unreasonably positive outlook in my head. I haven't been genuinely worrying about anything, including the loan; I've kept my "well, if it doesn't work out, it doesn't mean I didn't try" attitude. Holding that scholarship letter in my hands, I felt that positive energy coming back to me, a HUGE nudge that solidified my determination. I'm still in the process of getting my visa approved, and I still need to book some hostels, and try to find someone to fill my sublease this summer. At this point, I'm confident everything will continue to fall into place. Positive energy. Positive thinking. Positive actions.

I'm going to Italy... totally baller.