But first, inspired by my friend Meike’s latest blog entry on things she missed most about Thunderbird I thought I would compile a similar list! It's been nearly three months post-grad, but it seems like just yesterday I was at the pub discussing the inundation of group projects and assignments, horrible group members, places less-traveled, and just about anything and everything in between... So, here goes nothing (in no particular order)....
- Making travel plans for the next adventure! There was always something going on! That first trimester in Glendale, I was planning for Costa Rica. In Costa Rica I was planning for Mexico... in Mexico I was planning for Prague. In Prague I was planning for Austria, Poland, and Turkey. Then back in Glendale again planning for Jordan... in Jordan planning for Israel. Man it was a wild ride!
- I miss sitting in class, and looking around the room, and having the faces of so many different cultures and countries looking back at you. Diversity is indeed the spice of life - and added to much more of a 'colorful' experience at Thunderbird!
- Along those lines - and same with Meike - I do miss hearing "global" about 50 times a day. Every class had global in its course title - and we even lived on "1 global place." !!
- I miss talking to my fellow Tbirds about visiting, living and working in places that most people wouldn't dare go! You say middle east to most people - and they look at you like you have three heads! Thunderbirds on the other-hand would jump at the chance to work, live or travel there!
- I really miss the regional nights on campus! It was so great watching different clubs on campus work together to put on a truly spectacular event that showcased various cultures through food, song, dance and history. It was one of the best parts of campus-life, and one that I will truly miss! The dancing was the best part - especially the Indian dancing!
- Going to ninja training (aka krav maga) and getting our asses kicked everyday - sometimes twice a day!
- Going to Bikram yoga with just about every Thunderbird in Glendale!
- Driving up and down Bell road with Meike trying to figure out where we were going to grab dinner! It usually came down to Cheesecake Factory, Pei Wei or the Korean BBQ place - the only places open!
- The wrap ladies, the stir-fry guy and random conversations with people in the commons! I'd often go there for a quick meal, and wind up engaged in a conversation with random people from everything between who I was dating, to recent political events, to the latest professor gossip! Never a dull moment! haha.
- Thursday nights!!!!!!! Oh man - getting through an insanely busy week at Thunderbird was rewarded with a wild and crazy Thursday night! It ALWAYS started with a carb-packed (if we were smart) dinner, and Grey's Anatomy episode with Meike. Then we'd make our way to the pub for $4 vodka cranberries and some dancing usually followed by an after-party - details of which were always fuzzy the next day!
- Taking finals in an old air-plane hanger. No seriously - this is where we do everything! We had our introductory sessions to Thunderbird here, we took exams here, some regional events were held here, and the pub was even moved here when the campus freaked out because of Swine Flu.
- Group meetings... some of which I definitely do not miss.... but others, I do. After marathon 12+ hour meetings with hilarious people, you never know what's going to happen next!
- The I-BICH (IBIC as it is more formally known). People go there to 'study' but it usually turned into a social hangout to virtually communicate via chat with the people next to you on the latest gossip.
- Speaking of gossip... going to a small school, the gossip mill was insane! There was always SOME news that you couldnt believe.
- Watching Hindi movies and BBC documentaries about Mumbai with Neil in the most boring class ever!
- Fighting with Ankit (sometimes i miss this, sometimes I dont)!
- My friends!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the aspect I miss most about Thunderbird!!! But, I am comforted by the fact, that these are lifelong friendships and that we will always stay in touch!
- Our global adventures... too numerous too list - highlights include (unintentionally hiking through the jungle with Meike in Costa Rica at midnight, going to Isreal during the Gaza MASACRE (not a conflict like western, i mean US media portrayed it) with Meike, Yuri don't worry in Istanbul (hehehe), the homeless dude that didnt speak English that got in our train car somewhere between Prague and Krakow and Meike having to kick him out, our entire 6-week sleepless adventure in Prague and neighboring Euro cities, being a fricken pack-mule (hehe), praying to god I'd pass finance 2 and 3, Dermot the frog, Bombay and the mojito fish bowls, Mr. Baker, Coffee HEAVEN... and so much more!!
- Giving my campus ambassador tours and seeing that same excitement on the prospective students' faces as I had... no seriously, it was a very rewarding experience!
- And, to make it an even 20 - I'd have to say the INDIAN PARTIES. Oh man. During my time at Thunderbird, many preconceived stereotypes I had were either confirmed or totally blown out of the water... the Indians... by FAR... were the most fun group on campus. Their parties could rival the bars in Spain (and that is saying a lot). From kamikaze shots (thanks Rahul), to Indian dancing, to unconditional friendships and a lot of laughs -I will always hold these memories near and dear to my heart! I think Meike and i were inducted into the club as honorary Indians ;)
Wow, ok - thinking back on all these memories actually made me a little sad! I really miss my time at this school... it was by far, the best two years of my life! But, on a happy and exciting note... now I get to take the experiences I had, the lessons I learned and combine it with my background and previous experience to really make a difference in the world... so stay tuned... it'll take some time... but I intend to do some good things in this World.... so stay tuned!!!! :)
