I get to go to Antarctica. I GET TO GO TO ANTARCTICA! I almost screamed when I opened my letter. I definitely jumped up and down. In the hallway. In front of several people. But I quickly contained myself, because I was with some of my friends and peers who won't get to experience this incredible opportunity with me. I didn't want to make them feel worse about not being selected. I feel so lucky and honored and excited to be able to go. However, I also know that a lot of people are really disappointed, and I don't want to make them uncomfortable. I'll just have to celebrate with myself internally, and with my family and close friends.
For probably twenty minutes after opening my letter, I was barely holding it together. I couldn't stop shaking, and my heart was racing. Somehow, the relief almost felt like I was nervous all over again. The tension that had been building over the past few weeks all disappeared, and it left me so fast that I didn't quite know what hit me. Since then, I've been getting a lot of requests for snow globes, snowflakes, and penguins. I don't plan on bringing home a penguin, but I might get to see one! Penguins or no, I am going to be experiencing so many new things with this project, and I can't wait. Let it begin!