The week before last I participated with the SMA team at the Model United Nations at the University of Oregon.  My role as an diplomat from Ethiopia on the human rights committee was eye opening, as I had to discuss issues from the point of view of Ethiopia, a country where many humans rights violations occur. It was interesting hearing the debates and meeting other students, from schools all over Oregon. SMA's MUN program is unique in that as a school, we submit more resolutions, 5 a piece, than almost any other school that participates. A resolution is a proposition of actions to be taken to address an issue, from the point of view of ones country. For example, I wrote a resolution from Ethiopia's point of view discussing what restrictions should be placed on freedom of assembly.

This past Wednesday was Poverty Awareness Day at St. Mary's. For P.A.D., the school turns over control to the students, to run workshops on poverty related issues. This year, the theme was healthcare, and as a committee co-chair I helped plan, organize and run a workshop on Outside In. Outside In is a great organization working in Portland to help those who are having a hard time, and they have two amazing medical vans--basically doctors offices on wheels. One of these giant camper vans was able to come to SMA, and students who attended our workshop were able to tour the van, and learn about how Outside In operates, as well as about issues the homeless face in Portland.

For the next 7 weeks it's tests, tests, tests. I'm taking the SAT in two weeks, the AP Language and Composition test the week after, and the AP Government and AP US History tests the week after that! Then, after a few week break, it's the SAT Subject tests, Finals, and the ACT. Thankfully, most of the Junior class is going through the same process right now too, so we can prepare and study together! Don't be too concerned if  you see a SMA Junior walking around bleary eyed and muttering random facts about the Cold War or the branches of government...we're not crazy, just prepping for our exams!

My favorite part about this time of year is seeing the Seniors wearing their college gear, and learning about where my Senior friends have decided to attend next year. The SMA class of 2014 is going some amazing places, and I'm so impressed by all they have achieved. I can't wait until next spring, when it's me receiving word about college acceptances!  

I hope you all had a great spring break, I spent mine in Southern California, which was not as warm as expected but still had nicer weather than Portland! Over the week, I toured UCSD, Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Occidental and USC, and visited the campuses of USD and UCLA. I ran into several St. Mary's girls at the colleges, and even had some fellow Ambassadors in my Pomona and Occidental tour groups. I really appreciated the opportunity to see the schools, and I am now planning to apply to some of them.

As much as it may sound like it, my trip wasn't all college visits. I still managed to squeeze in some shopping, see some family in San Diego, and even see a few celebrities! The day I visited the University of Southern California a pilot was filming for a new show, that stars Viola Davis and Alfie Enoch, who played Dean Thomas in Harry Potter. As a huge Harry Potter fan I was thrilled to get a picture with him. Additionally, I ended up eating in the same restaurant as Miley Cyrus, and I was even able to take a selfie with her!  

All in all it was a great break, and I wish I had another week to sleep in! This week back at school has been very busy, with the quarter ending tomorrow. I've been running back in forth between clubs getting forms signed, and working on finishing up some projects that are due before the quarter ends. It's crazy to think that in just a few months I'll be wrapping up my junior year! Until then I expect to be very busy, with some major events on the horizon including a Model United Nations conference, AP testing, and taking the SAT.

I hope you all had great breaks, and that those of you recently back in school have had an easier time adjusting to getting up early than I have!