Dear Me in August,<\/p>\n
So, I know you\u2019re stressed right now. You\u2019re leaving for Cambodia in a month and you\u2019re panicking about packing, whether or not you\u2019ll like the food, and how are you going to survive without your brother\u2019s dog?? You\u2019re worried about doing real science coming from an almost entirely Humanities background and if you\u2019ll get along with the other people in the program. I know you\u2019re pretty stressed about the 20 hours of transit, but it will fly by — just watch the movies and don\u2019t think about having to pee in the window seat!<\/p>\n
I\u2019m writing you from the future to quell your fears and stresses! You are about to learn so much about yourself, this beautiful country, and yes — even science! Remember that no one else in the program knows each other yet, so your awkwardness will be mirrored. The people who are in this program share your interests and values, so you really don\u2019t need to worry about not liking them. Remember that this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime type experience where you will learn invaluable life lessons from the people here. You\u2019ll hear stories and listen to perspectives that you wouldn\u2019t have otherwise known, which is not something you can get from watching Netflix in your room. You\u2019ll learn to love all of the ups and downs of travel, especially days when vans break down, but then you get to boat down the Mekong River while watching the sun set and the stars come out. Trust your gut and don\u2019t worry about the little things. Also relax, there is a dog, Safi, to pet and a cat, Misty, to terrorize by holding so you\u2019ll get your fix of petting animals!<\/p>\n
I know you\u2019re nervous, as you are me from the past, but remember you are capable and you have an amazing support system when you get here!<\/p>\n
Best wishes from Cambodia,
\nFuture Keeley<\/p>\n