I’ve decided that all you need for a successful semester is a bunch of cake. My only Rollins pal that came on this trip with me was Darby, who I was already good friends with. Before we came, we had many people warn us about friends going abroad together and getting sick of each other. I was nervous, but also hopeful that since Samoa would be so different and new, we would need to lean on each other and forget about our frustrations and differences. The advice was appreciated but not necessary. Samoa has been a dream and this weekend we packed up all of our friends in a mini van for Darbathon (darby’s 21st birthday extravaganza). Throughout the semester, when we would arrive at different places for home stays, we would tell our families that Darby was turning 21 this semester. During each one of our excursions we celebrated Darby’s birthday with our new friends. This was the final (and best) celebration with the last cake and it finally hit me that we are going home in a couple of weeks. As our neighbors start packing up to go to their respective islands, I wonder if I will ever see them again. These people, who were so willing to share their time, energy, friendship and cake with me and this crazy group of Americans. Darbathon was successful, and it will be one of my favorite memories of this semester. The significance of getting older seems to be understood everywhere and i’m so lucky to have celebrated with her in this beautiful country.
