This semester I have continued to participate in my favorite on-campus group: OU Cousins. This organization has brought so many incredible friends and experiences over the past two semesters. However, this semester, one specific event stood out to me. 

The end-of-year picnic for the OU Cousins was such an amazing way to grow closer with so many international and local students that I had not previously known. When I got there, I sat down to eat and met some friends from the local Oklahoma area. I really enjoyed talking with them about their love for travel and global issues. Following, some other members and I started a game of volleyball with around eight other people at the picnic. Although I had not previously known these members, I felt so connected with them as we bonded through laughter over how bad we all were at the game. I fully believe that the ball went more out of the circle than it did in. Although there were minor language barriers with some jokes, everyone could get a good laugh out of missing the ball or almost landing in the splits to try to hit it. 

One of the girls that I met there was also named Ava, and she was an OU Cousins organization board member. I really enjoyed getting to know her as we played volleyball and really connected with some of the club staff. Talking with her has inspired me to one day be a part of the board of OU Cousins so that I can get even more connected with the organization. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the end of year picnic and getting to know some other club members. I can’t wait to continue my involvement in the club! 

Around the world, millions of families live without sustainable, safe, and affordable housing. In countries like Nicaragua, many families on the outskirts of the cities face a crisis as they are unable to afford housing. This inability to have a home can be due to poverty, natural disasters, and limited access to necessary resources. Having a house is more than just a roof above your head. For many, it means a stable home and an opportunity to build a better future. Studies show that children are more likely to succeed in school when they have a reliable home and their families are more financially stable. Unfortunately for many families in Nicaragua, poverty has led them to reside in shelters made of a few concrete blocks and metal siding. These shelters are unable to survive harsh weather conditions, and electricity and plumbing are unavailable. 

This is where sustainable housing is important. Sustainable housing creates homes that are affordable, durable and cheap to build. Having communities implement projects to build these homes could help thousands to millions of families receive stable housing. Instead of using expensive materials and harming the environment, many sustainable housing projects utilize local resources and energy-efficient designs. However, rather than bring these solutions in from outside the country, the goal is to work with local communities to employ locals and provide housing at the same time. This ensures a stable job and home for many families. 

When I visited Nicaragua on a mission trip two years ago, many of the children with whom I worked were living in shelters without electricity, plumbing, or even walls. This experience really opened my eyes to the need for affordable and sustainable housing within the Managua, Nicaragua, community. Every family deserves a safe place to live, no matter where they are living in the world, and through sustainable solutions, there is hope for future generations. 

This summer, I have the incredible opportunity to return to Spain to hike the southern side of the Camino de Santiago. Previously, I hiked the northern part of the Camino along the coast while I was in high school with a student group. This summer, I will be hiking with alumni and friends from my high school. During this 10-day trip, I will be hiking over 100 miles along trails that have been in use for hundreds of years. Each year, thousands of pilgrims take these walks across Spain as faith walks in reverence of St. James (Santiago) or as a walk of their own faith. 

One of the main aspects of this pilgrimage is walking in silence while connecting with the Lord. Each day, I will be hiking in at least two hours of silence where I can pray or silently connect with God. During my last camino, I was able to experience the incredible ways that God can move in silence as I admired his creation through nature.

Spain is filled with beautiful rolling hills and coats that are amazing to walk through. While doing the camino, pilgrims walk through many cities and countryside where you are able to see what daily life is like within and outside of main cities. This summer, I will have great opportunities to take tours while in the cities we pass through to learn more about the history of the Camino and Spain. 

The final stop of the Camino is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Here I, alongside other pilgrims, celebrate by sharing travel stories and receiving the stamp of completion. It is common for the church to be filled with many people carrying packs that they have walked with and resting their legs. I am especially excited to end here because previously I did not finish the camino at this location. Overall, by the end of this trip I will have walked over 250 miles of the camino! 

Over winter break, my family always has a tradition of attending the Christkindl market held in downtown Denver. The Christkindl market is one of the most magical Christmas traditions related to my German heritage. At the market, vendors in small wooden shelters covered in lights and pine sell authentic German toys, food, and ornaments. As you weave through the market, there is always a smell of sauerkraut and latkes, along with sweet pastries. I have loved attending this market with my family and friends, and this past Christmas, I was able to go with my best friend and her family. This was the first year that they held the market in a new place, so everything was more spread out. I loved the new layout and I felt like I was able to enjoy the market so much more because there were fewer crowds. 

One of the best parts of the Christkindl market is the huge lighted tree located in the center of the market. The best aspect is that you are able to walk underneath the tree and watch the programmed lights above you. I really enjoyed looking at the lights with my best friend Ari while listening to Christmas music. 

I feel that sometimes it can be hard to connect with my German heritage as there are few traditions within my family but each year I can really experience a cultural Christmas experience at the Christkindl market. This year I tried the latkas which were so tasty and reminded me of some that my family has made. Latkas are mashed shredded potatoes in a pancake-like shape served with apple sauce and sauerkraut. I really enjoyed them and I also tried the German desserts. 

Overall, visiting the Christkindl market this past Christmas with my best friend was a great way to connect to my heritage and enjoy some authentic German food and traditions.

During this semester I attended the Latin dance club salsa night with two of my friends. I had learned how to salsa at workshops throughout high school and when I saw that they were putting on this event I was excited to put my skills to use. When l got there I was paired with multiple partners who showed me multiple different steps of salsa, some that I knew and some that I didn’t. Additionally, they taught me other forms of Latin dance such as the Bachata. I had a great time learning new steps and showing my friends how to dance to each song. 

One of the best parts of the night was that they had a live band performing each song. I thought that it was wonderful and that the live music brought a more authentic and cultural feeling to the night. While the band played, many of the people who attended got up to dance. I really enjoyed seeing people of all skill levels get on the dance floor and show what they knew. I had the amazing opportunity to dance with a few of the men in the club. Everyone was so kind showing me new steps and moves and I really enjoyed getting to know each person while dancing with them. 

Overall, attending this event really increased my passion for salsa and I felt really inspired to join the club or one similar to continue dancing. I loved seeing people from every community/culture come together and learn how to dance and I really appreciated the club members for their patience in teaching each person.