A traveler's guide

I want to dedicate this post to one of my best friends Jesse. We are about to part ways, I am staying in DC and he is moving to Vegas. We'll always be friends but when moves like this happen things can't stay the same.

I don't think I can begin to explain what an awesome person Jesse is. I have often told him that he is my hero. He is an amazing example of what it is to live the American dream. He is such an example to me of what it means to work hard. If only all of you could get to know him and his amazing story. You would all become better people, like myself, for having known him.

Jesse and I have a special bond. We first met while we were serving our missions in Argentina. We had both been assigned to a small charming town 3 hours west of Buenos Aires. Our mission president put Jesse and his companion in charge of watching out for my comp and I. Typically, you don't stay in one area for more that 3 or 4 months. However, Jesse and I were both in Mercedes for 7 months. We overlapped 5 of those months. During that time we were able to teach together and care for the same families. We gave all we had to those people. I know serving a mission is nothing like the military, but I feel like I understand the bond that soldiers have with their comrades.

Since our friendship had such a spiritual foundation, there is also a great deal of respect between us. At some point, everyone we know has thought that we were a couple. We have never been a couple. We have been constant and loyal friends. I love that throughout the last 4 years I have been confident in our unbreakable platonic affection for each other. He has been a constant in my life.

Jesse, I know things are going to change when you leave DC. This had to happen eventually, but I didn't want you to leave without knowing how glad I am that you have been a part of my life. Looking back I am amazed at all of the things we have been through together. Thank you for being such a great friend. Thank you for being patient with me when I get bratty, thank you for making me feel special, thank you for being who you are. Having you out here in DC with me has made the transition from college life to the great beyond so much smoother. Thank you for being that support. I don't know what I would have done with out you.

I am so proud of you for getting into Teach For America! I know you will be great and that you will change the lives of the children you teach.

Here are some of the highlights of the past 4 years: