Tuesday, May 06, 2008

A FINAL THANK YOU

I can’t believe this adventure is ending in less than 72 hours. It has been an unbelievable journey that is impossible to describe. Tonight at dinner we watched the sunset in the distance over the mountains of Central America as dolphins splashed below us. This is just ONE of the unbelievable things I have seen over the past 3.5 months.

I wanted to take the chance to thank so many of you for your love and support in various capacities to make this semester as meaningful as it possibly could. From financial support to keeping in touch through e-mails, even just for taking the time to read a blog entry or two means so much to me. Whether from family, friends, alumni, or complete strangers, I have heard from several people who have contacted me saying that are living vicariously through my voyage and that means the world to me.

So to everyone—and there’s too many of them to mention specifically—thank you SO much for everything you’ve given me to make this voyage complete. I know I am ready to come home, but thanks in advance for being aware that America is as foreign to me now as any other place I’ve visited this semester and that on Friday the 800 of us, who have lived within 590 feet of each other for 109 days, will dissipate across the country at the snap of a finger with only memories to hold us together.

I would love if you could leave a comment on this post just so I could know who is out there reading. And to the crazy Blog Parents on the MSN Group, leave your student's name!

See you in America!!
From the Panama Canal,
Kevin

PS- Hawaii and Costa Rica and any new links to pictures I can put up in a few weeks from home.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kevin
I, for one, have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your adventures in these far off and wonderful places. Few of us will ever the get the chance to do what you have done, so for you to take us along on your trip and share your thoughts and views, has been great fun. I am going to miss checking in and seeing if there is an update on where you’ve been. Maybe you could wean us off slowly and find a way to keep writing when you get home, letting us know where you are and what you are doing - it could be good?

Thanks for sharing this adventure with us.

Karen Thibodeau (Kelly's mom)

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say thanks from a Spring 07 alum. Jealous that you guys got the extended trip to costa rica and through the panama canal! Enjoy your last few days, dont bother sleeping, you'll want to make all the memories you can with the friends you have made.

-Greg

Anonymous said...

Hi Kevin,
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blogs. I've laughed and cried and felt like I too have seen the world. Allie has also been reading and leaving comments for you. Here is an early WELCOME HOME. Can't wait to have iced tea on your porch and hear about your travels, then walk across the street to our new home.
We love you and are so very proud of you.

Aunt Jen, Uncle Paul, and the kids.
P.S. My mom has also been reading the blogs and loved 'em. You'll meet her in July - she's one of our drivers.

Anonymous said...

Kevin,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Larry Harris. Ever since you posted your photos from Brazil, I have had a picture of you with your arm around my daughter (and fellow shipmate) Lauren Harris, on my screen saver. I found the photo as I was reading your blog.

You are a terrific communicator, and a warm human being, whom I have quietly followed for months.

I sure hope our paths cross some day

Anonymous said...

Kevin-

I am one of those creepy people living vicariously through you even though you don't know who I am. I have followed most of the blogs of SAS students and yours was my favorite to read. You really have a talent for this sort of thing! I often comment about it with others who I know are following it (and I have shared this link multiple times).

Ok I hoped I haven't creeped you out too much. Thank you!

Susan said...

Hi Kevin,

We are so excited that you are coming home!
Got the word and we'll have Papa Gino's bread sticks and I'll make Chicken Cutlets.

Dad and Bryan are all ready to get you in Miami ( Katie is NOT happy to be "left at home!")

I can tell you've made some great friends.

Thank-you for sharing the the adventure !!

Love, Mom, Dad, Bryan, & Katie

Anonymous said...

Kevin
I'm a creeper too, haha i really loved reading your blog and i think you're an amazing writer. I've been reading a lot of SAS blogs and yours was by far my favorite. You did a beautiful job of explaining everything and you made me really want to apply for semester at sea, which i think i really might do! Thank you so much for writing this blog, I'm for sure going to miss it!

Hope you aren't really creeped out!

Unknown said...

Kevin,
As your journey comes to an end I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your blogs. Whenever new blogs would be posted yours was the one I would always read first. You paint beautiful pictures with your words...you are a very talented writer and I am an avid reader of your blogs. My daughter, Carly Prather, has not written much and certainly has not written any blogs...so yours have been a welcome insight to what this unbelievable experience has been like. As the previous commentor wrote...maybe you could wean us off by continuing to write. Thank you very much...you have been greatly appreciated.

Cathy

Two of Us said...

You know I have read and loved every word you have posted this voyage ;-))

Gretchen

ps--I do have trouble doing those 'word puzzles' it takes to sign in...maybe I should have devised a way to just have been anonymous!! *grin*

Nancy said...

Kevin- I'm Jake's Mom, and I have really enjoyed reading your blog, and especially the photos- thanks for sharing your thoughts with the wide world,
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Hey Kev,

It's been great hearing about your adventures this spring semester. We've all missed you over at the news so it was nice to see what you were up to rather then helping us write stories every tuesday night (I think you got the better part of the deal...lol) Enjoy your summer, I'm sure I'll talk to you, but if not, I'll see you in the fall for our senior year!)

Lauren

(things have certainly changed since the days of how to with kevin aries...lol)

Marsea said...

Hey Kevin -
Your blog has been one of my very favorites of all the years and voyages I have read. I was a Lifelong Learner twice and will be again Spring 09 so I know all the issues you've been grappling with so sensitively and wisely. You are amazingly aware and articulate! I hope you'll keep writing in some capacity and sharing your insights with others.
Congratulations on becoming a global citizen! I'm sure you will find many ways throughout your life to continue to learn, grow and contribute to this wonderful world of ours.
Best of luck,
Marjorie
S02, S05 & soon S09

Anonymous said...

Hey Kevin,
You do not know me, but I have been reading your SAS Blog for the past few months. I have loved every minute of it and I am positive that you have enjoyed writing it. Since the start of this voyage I have decided to sign up for SAS spring 09 adventure and I am VERY excited. Thank you for doing this blog; it has really opened my eyes towards the adventure of a lifetime.
-Thanks again,
Jessica from Indiana

Anonymous said...

Hey KEV.

we love you and we miss you and we cant wait to have you home. kevin, kevin aries, ARIIIIESSS, or a kevin changed by a remarkable journey- no matter what personality you take on, i will always admire your strength and courage to see the joy in this world. you inspire me, and i strive to one day have the experiences you have described to us through this blog. until then-i'll just dream of changing the world with you. see you sooooooon!!! p.s. your officially a senior in college? believe it!

-heather

Anonymous said...

Hi Kevin,
I have read each and every blog that you have posted and have truly enjoyed them all. My dream is to now take part in SAS Spring
'09 and create some amazing, once- in-a-lifetime memories of my own.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on completing a trip of a lifetime. Although the SAS voyage has ended, this truly is a beginning of your next series of adventures. I agree with the other posters - it would be wonderful to continue reading your insights on acclimating back to life in the U.S. Best of luck in completing the rest of your formal education.

Karen Lilla (husband Paul told me about your trip/blog before you set sail and I've been following you ever since!)

Anonymous said...

Um,
Aries for president?
I'm procrastinating studying and looking (well scrolling down) your blog.
I'll give you a big AAAIIIRRIIIEESSS on Saturday.

-one of three people not home yet, that should narrow it down

sanket said...

thanks for sharing the information with us it was very informative Dream