10 for 2010.

Now that we're a month into 2011, I think it's a good time to look back at 2010 and smile at a year well spent. 

Here are ten photos and memories to summarize the whirlwind that was 2010:

1. Archeology in Israel

our group on top of the mount of olives, overlooking
jerusalem. 

2010 started off with a travelling bang. I travelled throughout Israel as part of a Duke class, Holy Land Archeology, and rang in the new year with Duke friends and professors in Bethlehem.

2. Duke Wins National Championship!

no, I didn't take this photo. for some reason, I didn't
bring my camera to indianapolis, so my photos from
the night are pretty limited. 

Do I really even need to explain this one? While a 20-hour road trip to Indianapolis might not have been one of the most responsible moments of my academic career, it was totally, totally worth every moment of it. Let's go DUKE!

3. Sunrise over the Atlantic

just after the sun came up (although you can't tell
by the lighting!). a beautiful, beautiful memory. 

January through May can be characterized by one bittersweet phrase: Second Semester Senior. My own last semester at Duke was filled with contractions: long hours spent in lab only matched by long hours spent laughing with friends. Overloading myself, both with classes and with fun. Spending every moment trying to squeeze as much out of Duke-- every side of Duke-- as possible. There were many, many nights that I saw 3 am- from the library, from a friend's apartment, from a car ride back from Indianapolis.....and from an impromptu drive to the beach with my closest friends.


To clarify: On a Saturday night in April, at around 3 am, some of my closest (and craziest?) friends and I randomly decided to drive to the closest beach and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. It was probably irresponsible, but I still can't think back upon it without smiling. 

4. Acceptance of Whitaker Fellowship.

Although considerably less photogenic, the process of applying, becoming accepted, and choosing in turn to accept my Whitaker Fellowship was definitely one of 2010's most pivotal happenings. 

5. Duke Graduation. 

with some of my closest girlfriend, just before we walked
into the stadium. 

Even though my graduation was seven months ago, every once in a while, I still find myself thinking, I graduated? Really? That happened? I think half of my brain still expects to wake up in Brown, my freshman dormitory, ready to head to class, make new friends, and start learning. My four years at Duke were incredible, and they went by fast. 

6. Jake and Kim's Wedding.

dancing!

Although Jake and Kim's wedding wasn't my only formal event-- or even my only wedding-- of 2010, it sticks out in my mind. It broke apart a very quiet summer, providing a weekend to relax with friends and a chance to give Duke one last goodbye. 

7. Family Vacation

forget the epfl, we're headed to hogwarts!

My lovely summer ended in a whirlwind week, complete with a family vacation to Amelia Island, a trip to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter (my inner nine-year-old was ecstatic) and wedding in Charleston. It was a perfect time to enjoy my friends and family before heading off to Switzerland.

8. Moving to Switzerland!

an evening run along lac leman.

On September 6, 2010, I packed my life into a suitcase, and moved to Lausanne, Switzerland. While adjusting to a new culture certainly has it's challenges, it has also been one of my biggest adventures and greatest opportunities. 

9. Visiting Ashley in Copenhagen

with ashley and ben at the copenhagen ice bar. 

Although I've been lucky enough to take several side trips since coming to Switzerland, my trip to Copenhagen (see here, here) is definitely one of my favorites. 

10. A very Swiss Christmas 

sledging!

and finally, one to grow on...

11. Ringing in the new year in Crans-Montana

In short, 2010 has been absolute joy. I started the year out in Israel, enjoying a fabulous new year's eve in Bethleham with several friends and two fantastic professors. I had absolutely no idea what I would be doing in a year's time, and was excited to find out. 12 months, 6 countries, countless photographs, and 1 national championship later:  here I am! I still have no idea where I'll be this time next year, and I'm still as excited as ever to find out. 

There is one thing, however, that I'm sure of: 2011 is going to be great.