Broomfield, Colorado
January 15th- February 18th
Jodi and Peter
Virginie (Belgium), Ezrah (New Mexico)
Jodi and Peter
Virginie (Belgium), Ezrah (New Mexico)
1-15-19 Tuesday
Today was the first day of the second semester!!!!! Mom dropped me off at the airport in the morning after I said goodbye to my sisters and then I hopped on a plane to Denver. When I arrived at the airport, I saw many of my really good friends from last semester including Santa, Liam, Mattias, Hayden, Frank, and Dylan. Then we went to the church and I met up with some more friends. On the shuttle there, I sat next to Fredrick from Norway and we bonded over out love for classical music. It was so great to see everyone again after three weeks. I feel so at home, and like I am my authentic self again. I spent 8 hours at the facility mingling and meeting my new cast members. It was a totally new experience because everyone is new. It's a weird feeling because I have an idea of how it is supposed to be, and the fact that it's different creates an interesting vibe. I spent the time really talking to the people I knew to catch up with them, and then start meeting the new people tomorrow. Then Peter came to pick us up, and he bought three cakes from Costco and gave it to the cast for Ezrah's birthday. I met my new roomie from Belgium and I LOVE HER!!! She is my age, very mature, and willing to get the most out of every experience. I can't wait to get to know her. We went out for taco tuesday's. When we got home, Peter scared us with a pop-up Halloween figure again... Surprise, Surprise. It's so good to be back in this house with two amazing roommates!!! I can't wait for the rest of staging.
1-16-19 Wednesday
In the welcome meeting, the acoustic group performed Here and Now and Shine the Light for the entire cast to promote the show aspect of Up with People. I can really tell that this semester I am going to be a leader because all my closest friends are older than 21 and they are staff members. They have asked me to help out with a lot of behind the scene things already. Today we had some workshops and PA time, but we also had our first yearlong meeting where the PROD SQUAD prepared us for how staging could be challenging. They offered us a support system within the staff and the rest of the second semesters. It was extremely reassuring. Then we learned Keep Hope Alive for modules tomorrow already!!!! WOWZA!! On the bus home, I sat next to Alisha and found out that we have a phenomenal future broadway performer in our cast!! Then I also sat next to Liam and I had a really great conversation with him. Today is Ezrah's 21st birthday and Leah came over and they went out! I spent the night with Virginie, and we made our own dinner and talked for two hours. She is very much alike me and I think she will be a long life friend!!
1-17-19 Thursday
Modules today!!!!!! The cast had to showcase skills in dance, vocals, public speaking, tv interviews, and tech. We also had to get our costumes approved by Walter and our pictures for the semester taken. It was an extremely long and exhausting day. I had my vocal module bright and early in the morning with Michael Bowerman, Eric, Ellen, Camryn, and Leah... all my close friends. I think I was a little too comfortable because when I actually had to sing, I did not do nearly as good of a job as I do in the show. While I was kind of upset at myself, I felt better because I know that they all know me personally and they know my singing capabilities already. Then I went through the dance module after lunch and I had been dreading it for the past two months. I was actually really nervous to dance because, again, my closest friends were the staff members taking notes on me. Momo, Nasya, Pauline, and Stefon were teaching dance combinations of all styles represented in the show. I was DEFINATELY not the best one in the room, but surprisingly I was not the worst either. After I had embarrassed myself, I didn't even want to confront those dance shirts. But, Nasya came up to me after and reassured that I should not be embarrassed of anything... I still was. Then I realized that I am going to audition for the band and involve myself in the tech world of Up with People this semester! Today had many ups and downs, but overall it was great to just continue to meet people and build relationships. Ezrah's mom flew into Denver tonight so we picked her up at the airport. We were all so exhausted from the past three days that we passed out in the car. Then Virginie and I packed for the trip up to the mountains tomorrow!
1-18-19 Friday
Today the in the yearlong program, we got our partners for the semester goal setting. I was randomly partnered with Andree from Sweden, and we wrote down things that we wanted to accomplish in the next six months. Today was a big snowfall so some people from the cast went outside and had a snowball fight! We also made two snowmen because it was perfect packing snow. During lunch, Eric Lentz, Dale Penny (The CEO of UWP), and Ken Liest sat us down and talked about New York City Logistics. Josh, Ellen, Leah, Mattias, Angelis and I are all flying to NYC early Tuesday morning for a performance. We will be in a conference room with 20 big-name philanthropist who want to know what Up wit People is about. I feel extremely honored to be chosen for this because it's only six of us and I get to perform NYC! Then in PA time, the cast started learning the show. Some second semesters had their first breakdowns, and I was just there trying to make them feel better and look at the positives. There is many new production challenges being a second semester. They want to give other people opportunities, and they already know how we sing so they don't pull us for solos until the last week. We will be spending a lot of time in cast vocals and movement. During cast vocals we learned Here and Now and they played the studio recording that Angelis and I sang, and they pointed us out in front of the cast. It was really weird hearing myself on the recording and then having 100 people learn the song based off of that recording. It's so cool!!!!! At night, Ken picked us up from the bus stop, made us dinner, found us free skies, and drove us up into the mountains. We got to Winter Park around 10pm. They have a beautiful condo that looks exactly like the condo in Banff where "I've got my panties on" happened! Then we had some tea, brownies, and great conversations. We headed to bed with complete exhaustion from the first week.
1-19-19 Saturday
Everyone slept in this morning three extra hours, and my goodness did we need it. The first week was so exhausting so sleeping really made a difference. Then Marissa, Virginie, and I took the dog, Sadie, for a 2 mile walk along the mountains. It was a beautiful walk with the freezing Fraser river to the left, and glistening Rocky Mountains to the right. Then we shopped around in the Winter Park Village and bought souvenirs. We met up with the kids and rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain. I was so excited to be back in the atmosphere of skiing. We saw a snow cat and took a cool picture by it. Then we went tubing at dusk. All 7 of us tied together and made a line of tubes that raced down the hill at top speed. The snow was rushing in our faces, but we all had helmets and googles on! There was a toe rope that brought us up the hill, but the thin air from the high altitude still winded all of us. It was such a fun activity that was a great memory to my first host family day in this semester. I love winter park so much!! When we got home, we went to the hot tub! Lydia, Virginie, and I hopped a fence, jumped into the snow, and ran back into the hot tub. Our skin burned, but it was all part of the experience. I loved today so much, and it made me realize how much I love the mountains, and how much I love Colorado.
1-20-19 Sunday
Ski Day!!! This was one of the best host family days that I have had so far! Ken, Marissa, Jodi, and Peter all made it possible for Virginie and I to spend 6 hours skiing in the mountains of Winter Park! We split the cost of the day pass three ways and then got free ski gear. It was incredible to get the opportunity to ski today! We woke up at 6:45am to be ready to go on the first chair lift at 8:00am! Then we got 5 full runs in before 10:00!!! We were zooming up and down the runs. We consistently were beating the crowds, so we barely had to wait in any lines. The snow was PERFECT! It was soft, fluffy, and powder snow. We went up to the high peak, in the trees, and 5 of the 7 territories of the mountain. We hit it hard all day and I was exhausted. Morgan and Ian were very good skiers, and so was Virginie!! The pace at which we were skiing was even fast for me. We skied so much and got in like 12 full runs!! When we got back to the condo, Virginie and I passed out for two hours. Then we watched the football game, ate dinner, played games with the kids, and packed. We decided to wait until 7:00pm to drive back down to Broomfield because of traffic. We got to Jodi and Peter's around 9pm and Virginie and Jodi got to meet for the first time!! It was an incredible day and an unbelievable weekend!! Ready for another epic week:)
1-21-19 Monday
Today, the cast participated in the Martin Luther King March. This was the first time that I had ever marched in a political movement. There was speeches, music, political signs, many people, and a LOT of opinions about changing the government. I got a little bit irritated just listening to speeches and the opinions of the marchers. This holiday that is meant to honor the amazing person that MLK was, has turned into a place where social justice runs ramped. But, it was really interesting to see everyone from the community come together and stand in unity for a cause. Then we had our non-violent communication workshop. I was in a skit where Liam, Daniel and I acted out a good/bad scenario of a racist host family. They emphasized how to confront people with feedback, active listening, receiving other perspectives, and responses to extremely uncomfortable conversations. This workshop encompassed the biggest lesson that I learn from last semester, and listening to it again made me realize how important it is. It was an awesome day! Then we got home, had dinner, and watched the bachelor. I packed and prepared for my trip to New York City! WAHOOOOO
1-22-19 Tuesday
Mattias picked Leah, Angelis and I up at 4am and drove us to the airport. There was a complete blizzard in the morning, and our flight got delayed an hour. Mattias was gripping the wheel of the Up with People van so tight, and was stressed about missing the plane. But, we met Josh and Ellen there and flew to New York City. When we got to our hotel, we met in the lobby and talked logistics about the conference and rehearsed our acoustic set. Then we got dressed up and headed over to our facility. The conference was extremely professional with CEOs, Vice Presidents, and other big name philanthropists from a company called Synergos. Their mission statement is very similar to Up with People's, and they were very interested in our stories. The six of us were in the front of the room, and we were almost like a panel of guest speakers/performers. They asked how we knew about Up with People, our most impactful experiences, our life goals. Each one us of had a completely unique story that made every aspect of UWP look like a world changing program. I got to talk about the hardships in my life, and how this organization has catapulted my career, as well as, encompass all of my passions of traveling, singing, performing, and meeting people from around the world into one. I could not believe that I was in a room full of 30 people in suites and ties speaking so freely and authentically about an organization that has changed my life. Then we also got to perform Here and Now, the Acoustic Medley, and Keep Hope Alive. This was the first time that we had done a version of that song acoustically, and it went extremely well. I could tell that these people really connected to the message of the song, and they wanted to do something about it too! It was an awesome feeling to have while watching their faces as I sang Keep Hope Alive. They also had our picture in the brochure with a little bio!!! It was so professional and sophisticated. After it ended, we mingled with the business people, and I was presently surprised how interested they were. Then we were free to explore New York City... We got dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant. Then we walked to Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and The Chrysler Building. It was REALLY COLD! I had been to all of these places before, but it was even cooler to go back and be a tour guide in a city like New York. Then we went back to our hotel around 2:00am and talked, played games, and enjoyed being with each other. I was exhausted from that long day, but we went to bed around 4:00am. CRAZY LIFESTYLE!
1-24-19 Thursday
Today was the infamous diversity meeting. The cast performed a cross-the-line activity and took a stand for topics like: mental health, physical health, body image, drug addictions, family backgrounds, self-confidence, gun violence, identity, discrimination, social awareness, sexual orientation, personal testimonies, values, politics, and religion. The purpose was to discover the different perspectives and stories of each person in the cast. It was very impactful to see who else struggled with things that I struggled with. I learned so much about my cast mates, and myself. Frank from Indiana went into the middle of the circle and asked the conservatives of the cast to come into the middle. There was only 6 of us out of the 100 people, and he got so much hate and negative attitudes for doing it. I could not believe how many people had opposing views. Then we had to cross the line if we considered ourselves Christian. A lot of my friends from last semester knew where I stood, and I have a couple really close friends who I have had deep faith conversations with. When I crossed the line and I was in the minority... I smiled at Hayden, Brody, Frank, Gabbie, Angelis, Virginie, and Andree. These were a few people who I knew had the same values as me. There was a silent confidence about standing up for the Christian faith, and we all knew it and just smiled at each other. It was a unifying feeling. I absolutely love hearing other people's stories about why they believe what they believe. I realized that each person I meet is struggling with a battle that I have no clue about. I don't think that I will ever be in this diverse of a group ever again in my life. Then on the bus ride home, I sat next to Romane from Belgium. She asked to sit next to me so that I could share my perspective on the world, and she really listened to what I had to say. She definitely did not agree though. The biggest takeaway I had from today was that I need to learn more about politics. I am very uneducated and for the longest time liked it that way because I could just avoid it all. But, If I don't know anything, I can't stand for anything, so I will fall for everything.
1-25-19 Friday
Today was the leadership round table where 18 special guests came to speak about their career paths and different leadership styles. The biggest piece of advice I got from most of the leaders was the opportunity of networking with people from around the world. I got a great appreciation for UWP and the connections I will have everywhere. I am excited to get my career going after this semester and become unstoppable by doing things that scare me everyday and bettering myself constantly! I am so grateful for traveling, gaining perspectives, and facing fears that terrify most people. I got to see Karen and Angel today from last semester!!! Then I was pulled for the vocal workshops of the Impact Medley and Roller Coaster. It's very interesting that they are pulling me for these songs because that means I would not play Hope. It's all a huge question mark as to what I will be doing in the show. Jodi and Peter made a great meal and we went to bed so early!
1-27-19 Sunday
Host Family Day! Today Scott, from camp up with people b17, picked me up and brought me to church with him and his family. It was a really great message about identity in the lord, and the influence parents have on their kids. I met his mom, dad, and sister, and they are the sweetest people. It blows my mind that I haven't seen him in two years, and we picked up right where we left off!! I have seen Scott, Kyra, Angelis, Autumn, Jeanna, Jaiden, Aniko, Nia, Bryce, Leo, Lydia, Kinsey, Walter, Erin, Max, and Misa since camp ended a year ago. The connections I made at camp have been so tight and they will never go away! I went out to dinner with Scott's family at a Mexican restaurant. His parents met when they traveled together in Up with People. They were so interested in my life, my experience on the road, and my advice. Scott is going to travel in a year too. I am so grateful for my camp years because it had lead me to a life long network of friends. Then Scott and I surprised Angelis and went to his host house in Denver. Hanging with the two of them brought back to many amazing memories, and I can't wait for that to continue in the future. Scott drove me home, and then I walked down to the neighbors to practice piano. I officially have 4 songs memories so far!! YAY! That's a good place to be at this point. We had steak and potatoes for dinner and I made Josie's banana bread for my host family. It was a great day!
1-28-19 Monday
Today, there was a huge snow storm that caused our shuttles to be 40 minutes late. It took us two and a half hours to get to our facility because of the roads. We had the infamous workshop about living in the fishbowl. Then I spent the afternoon in the band room learning as much as I could as fast as I could. I had a conversation with Michael Bowerman about my role in the show. I wanted to know the possibility of playing piano and playing Hope at the same time. Ultimately he makes the decision of where the show needs my talents most. He reassured me that he knows what I am capable of vocally and advised me to focus on keys as much as possible. I am really getting the hang of the piano, and I am loving it!! I am learning so much everyday, and it's way more valuable than voice lessons. At night, I went over to Ken and Marissa's to practice and start memorizing! We ate some banana bread, painted our nails, and did our laundry. Twas a great day.
1-30-19 Wednesday/ 1-31-19 Thursday
Both of these days were busy with cast workshops, preparation for life on the road, and band practice. I have been working really hard so learn and memorize the necessary songs for the show. We have 8 days until music rehearsal with Michael Bowerman on stage and I am terrified. Every break/ free time I have is spent working on music. The pressure is starting to rack up!
2-1-19 Friday
In the morning, we looked into the variety of CA projects for this semester. It inspired me to do a project to show case every volunteer project that I have done. Then we had more band practice. Today was especially difficult because I was pulled for Keep Hope Alive and Impact Medley during band time. I was needed to perform my best vocally while running in and out of band. They were working on the hardest song of the show... Bulgaria. This song is in 7/8 and it's a huge challenge. Then we had our first cast culture fair. The midwest booth wasn't as boring as normal because we played a game of pin the tail on the donkey. I always love seeing my friends talk passionately about their home and their culture. Then, the acoustic group performed for all the guests who came. I was mentally exhausted today. I am being stretched in every direction, and I just hope I can keep up with all the pressure.
2-2-19 Saturday
Host Family Day!! In the morning, Ezrah, V, and I, went to mile high sky diving to jump out of a plane. We waited in the lobby for three and a half hours. The winds were gusting so fast that they put the entire place on a wing hold. We ended up going home around 4 and had to reschedule for tomorrow. Then the three of us went to Freddy's for lunch and talked about how excited we were for tomorrow. Then I went over to the neighbor's and practice my songs for an hour. Doing that every other day is making such a difference in my success for the show. Then we went to a salad bar for dinner. Ezrah, V, and I stayed up late playing cards.
2-3-18 Sunday
Host Family Day!! Ezrah, V, and I woke up in the morning and went sky diving!!!! We waited only 30 minutes this time. They suited us up and put a harness on, and then pushed us into the plane. My instructor told me everything that I had to do 5 seconds before I had to do it. I had no time to overthink jumping out or landing. The plane ride up was the scariest part of the entire experience. Only 10 people could fit into the plane, and we were really squished. The turbulence made the us go up and down drastically. We flew 2 miles up and over the Rocky Mountains. The view was absolutely incredible. Then we my instructor told me what to do in order to have a successful jump, and then we pushed us out of the plane. I was expecting to get a major dropping sensation in my stomach, but I didn't. It felt like I was floating in the air! There is no other feeling like it. My ears had so much pressure in them, it felt like two knives were stabbing into my ears. We were free falling for 68 seconds... that's a long time to fall. Then the parachute went off and we glided down for another 5 minutes. I was so disoriented while coming down because we were spinning a lot and we went upside down. I got extremely nauseous looking at the moving ground. I couldn't even process all that had happened. We had a really smooth landing and stood up when we hit the ground. It was the most incredible experience of my life. This is on almost everybody's bucket list, and I can check it off already in life!! That's so cool! I also have the best roommates because they did this adventure with me. Then we went home, ate lunch, and debriefed. We went to a super bowl party at night. There was fun snacks, games, and company. Many of my close friends were there so I got to hang out and watch the patriots win. Virginie and I walked home because we wanted to get some exercise and deep conversation. It was a peaceful night walk. We got coffee on the way home and ended an incredible day talking about life!
2-4-19 Monday
Today I spent most of the day in the band room getting prepared for music rehearsal in 5 dayzzzzzz!! My work load has decreased, and Liam's has increased. It takes a lot of pressure off me, but now I am having to do a lot more vocally. This week is going to be extremely challenging, but rewarding at the same time. After my day, John and Adam picked me up in a sick lime green jeep and we met up with Mike and Lance. It was so great to see all of them again. We got dinner at BBQ restaurant. Then we went axe throwing! I wasn't as bad as the last time I played, but still wasn't good. We played a few rounds of games and then Adam and John dropped me off at home. Virginie was fast asleep by the time I walked in the door at 9:30. Staging is exhausting...
2-5-19 Tuesday
It's Twin Day!!! Pleun and I dressed similar in our red show costumes and jeans. Then I spent the day in vocals/ band. We learned the new unplugged medley, and it is completely different than last semester. I am really excited about the new songs and their transitions. I worked on my piano songs along with many of the vocal songs. I sat next to Juliette from Belgium on the bus and had another really deep conversation with her. It was a good day:) Today was taco Tuesday so we went out to dinner for dollar tacos.
2-6-19 Wednesday
Today was more band practice, mental breakdowns, perseverance, and appreciation.
2-7-19 Thursday
SNOW DAY!!!! It was snowing all night last night, and our whole day was canceled because the roads were so bad. We slept in until 9am which is an extra three hours of sleep. It was extremely needed because everyone in the cast is getting sick. I'm hoping this day gives everyone a chance to catch up on sleep and work for the show. V made scrambled eggs in the morning, and then we walked to Josh's pond in the 9 degree weather. We were so cold that we turned around and went home within 10 minutes. Then we decided to be courageous and walk to the Pharmacy for cold medicine. We walked for 30 minutes and I was convinced that I got frost bite. We took a pitstop in Starbucks and then went to King Soopers. Jodi and Peter picked us up because we could not walk back in the cold. Then I went over to Ken and Marissa's to get my review in today. The snow day caused the band to miss crucial practice time, but I think we will be okay.
2-9-19 Saturday
The cast had the picture in the morning at Manuel High School. Then the band drove the truck to the other facility and practiced for the majority of the day. We played Heads Up as a band on the drive and it was a great bonding time! We ran through the entire show! Then we striked the room we were using for the past two weeks, and brought the band equipment to the stage. I had one of the hardest days emotionally today. The production team told me that I will probably not be playing hope or really singing at all in the first show. They want me to focus on band, and they have other competent singers this semester. I was at first heartbroken watching another girl perform the song that means the most to me in the show, but then I just got angry. I wasn't angry that someone else was playing Hope, but I was angry at the production team for telling me that I would play half the show and sing half the show. Affe made arrangements in the band to have two piano players so that I could do that. If they would have told me from the beginning that I wouldn't be singing, everything would be so much better. I love being in the band so much, but singing is me strength and passion. I know it will all work out, but it was a hard reality to grasp. I also feel such a disconnect from the cast because I'm always away in the band room. Watching everyone up on stage together learning blocking made me feel like I was missing out. I know that I am getting a unique experience participating in both worlds of Up with People. I just really need to keep perspective through this next week. Daniel (From Mexico) and I went to go get coffee, and he gave me a lot of hope and excitement for being in the band on the road. Then Ezrah, V, Santa and I all went over to Santa's house in downtown Denver. We ate dinner at this Irish Pub and the girls listened to me express all my problems. They were so supportive, and I felt so much better afterwards. We went to a famous Belgian artists concert called Lost Frequencies. It was unlike anything I had ever been to before. Crazy lights, loud music, and a fun time.
2-17-19 Sunday
Last full day of staging! I am so excited to get on the road and gain more life changing experiences. I am sad to change roommates and host families. Today, we slept in pretty late and regained energy. Then, we went out for lunch at noodles and I bought ingredients for tater tot hot dish at King Soopers. We got our foot massages that were very much needed by the end of staging. Then I made the final meal and banana bread!! We ate, packed, and shared our favorite memories. We leave tomorrow and start life on the road and I am SOOOOO excited!!!!
1-17-19 Thursday
Modules today!!!!!! The cast had to showcase skills in dance, vocals, public speaking, tv interviews, and tech. We also had to get our costumes approved by Walter and our pictures for the semester taken. It was an extremely long and exhausting day. I had my vocal module bright and early in the morning with Michael Bowerman, Eric, Ellen, Camryn, and Leah... all my close friends. I think I was a little too comfortable because when I actually had to sing, I did not do nearly as good of a job as I do in the show. While I was kind of upset at myself, I felt better because I know that they all know me personally and they know my singing capabilities already. Then I went through the dance module after lunch and I had been dreading it for the past two months. I was actually really nervous to dance because, again, my closest friends were the staff members taking notes on me. Momo, Nasya, Pauline, and Stefon were teaching dance combinations of all styles represented in the show. I was DEFINATELY not the best one in the room, but surprisingly I was not the worst either. After I had embarrassed myself, I didn't even want to confront those dance shirts. But, Nasya came up to me after and reassured that I should not be embarrassed of anything... I still was. Then I realized that I am going to audition for the band and involve myself in the tech world of Up with People this semester! Today had many ups and downs, but overall it was great to just continue to meet people and build relationships. Ezrah's mom flew into Denver tonight so we picked her up at the airport. We were all so exhausted from the past three days that we passed out in the car. Then Virginie and I packed for the trip up to the mountains tomorrow!
1-18-19 Friday
Today the in the yearlong program, we got our partners for the semester goal setting. I was randomly partnered with Andree from Sweden, and we wrote down things that we wanted to accomplish in the next six months. Today was a big snowfall so some people from the cast went outside and had a snowball fight! We also made two snowmen because it was perfect packing snow. During lunch, Eric Lentz, Dale Penny (The CEO of UWP), and Ken Liest sat us down and talked about New York City Logistics. Josh, Ellen, Leah, Mattias, Angelis and I are all flying to NYC early Tuesday morning for a performance. We will be in a conference room with 20 big-name philanthropist who want to know what Up wit People is about. I feel extremely honored to be chosen for this because it's only six of us and I get to perform NYC! Then in PA time, the cast started learning the show. Some second semesters had their first breakdowns, and I was just there trying to make them feel better and look at the positives. There is many new production challenges being a second semester. They want to give other people opportunities, and they already know how we sing so they don't pull us for solos until the last week. We will be spending a lot of time in cast vocals and movement. During cast vocals we learned Here and Now and they played the studio recording that Angelis and I sang, and they pointed us out in front of the cast. It was really weird hearing myself on the recording and then having 100 people learn the song based off of that recording. It's so cool!!!!! At night, Ken picked us up from the bus stop, made us dinner, found us free skies, and drove us up into the mountains. We got to Winter Park around 10pm. They have a beautiful condo that looks exactly like the condo in Banff where "I've got my panties on" happened! Then we had some tea, brownies, and great conversations. We headed to bed with complete exhaustion from the first week.
Everyone slept in this morning three extra hours, and my goodness did we need it. The first week was so exhausting so sleeping really made a difference. Then Marissa, Virginie, and I took the dog, Sadie, for a 2 mile walk along the mountains. It was a beautiful walk with the freezing Fraser river to the left, and glistening Rocky Mountains to the right. Then we shopped around in the Winter Park Village and bought souvenirs. We met up with the kids and rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain. I was so excited to be back in the atmosphere of skiing. We saw a snow cat and took a cool picture by it. Then we went tubing at dusk. All 7 of us tied together and made a line of tubes that raced down the hill at top speed. The snow was rushing in our faces, but we all had helmets and googles on! There was a toe rope that brought us up the hill, but the thin air from the high altitude still winded all of us. It was such a fun activity that was a great memory to my first host family day in this semester. I love winter park so much!! When we got home, we went to the hot tub! Lydia, Virginie, and I hopped a fence, jumped into the snow, and ran back into the hot tub. Our skin burned, but it was all part of the experience. I loved today so much, and it made me realize how much I love the mountains, and how much I love Colorado.
Ski Day!!! This was one of the best host family days that I have had so far! Ken, Marissa, Jodi, and Peter all made it possible for Virginie and I to spend 6 hours skiing in the mountains of Winter Park! We split the cost of the day pass three ways and then got free ski gear. It was incredible to get the opportunity to ski today! We woke up at 6:45am to be ready to go on the first chair lift at 8:00am! Then we got 5 full runs in before 10:00!!! We were zooming up and down the runs. We consistently were beating the crowds, so we barely had to wait in any lines. The snow was PERFECT! It was soft, fluffy, and powder snow. We went up to the high peak, in the trees, and 5 of the 7 territories of the mountain. We hit it hard all day and I was exhausted. Morgan and Ian were very good skiers, and so was Virginie!! The pace at which we were skiing was even fast for me. We skied so much and got in like 12 full runs!! When we got back to the condo, Virginie and I passed out for two hours. Then we watched the football game, ate dinner, played games with the kids, and packed. We decided to wait until 7:00pm to drive back down to Broomfield because of traffic. We got to Jodi and Peter's around 9pm and Virginie and Jodi got to meet for the first time!! It was an incredible day and an unbelievable weekend!! Ready for another epic week:)
1-21-19 Monday
Today, the cast participated in the Martin Luther King March. This was the first time that I had ever marched in a political movement. There was speeches, music, political signs, many people, and a LOT of opinions about changing the government. I got a little bit irritated just listening to speeches and the opinions of the marchers. This holiday that is meant to honor the amazing person that MLK was, has turned into a place where social justice runs ramped. But, it was really interesting to see everyone from the community come together and stand in unity for a cause. Then we had our non-violent communication workshop. I was in a skit where Liam, Daniel and I acted out a good/bad scenario of a racist host family. They emphasized how to confront people with feedback, active listening, receiving other perspectives, and responses to extremely uncomfortable conversations. This workshop encompassed the biggest lesson that I learn from last semester, and listening to it again made me realize how important it is. It was an awesome day! Then we got home, had dinner, and watched the bachelor. I packed and prepared for my trip to New York City! WAHOOOOO
1-22-19 Tuesday
Mattias picked Leah, Angelis and I up at 4am and drove us to the airport. There was a complete blizzard in the morning, and our flight got delayed an hour. Mattias was gripping the wheel of the Up with People van so tight, and was stressed about missing the plane. But, we met Josh and Ellen there and flew to New York City. When we got to our hotel, we met in the lobby and talked logistics about the conference and rehearsed our acoustic set. Then we got dressed up and headed over to our facility. The conference was extremely professional with CEOs, Vice Presidents, and other big name philanthropists from a company called Synergos. Their mission statement is very similar to Up with People's, and they were very interested in our stories. The six of us were in the front of the room, and we were almost like a panel of guest speakers/performers. They asked how we knew about Up with People, our most impactful experiences, our life goals. Each one us of had a completely unique story that made every aspect of UWP look like a world changing program. I got to talk about the hardships in my life, and how this organization has catapulted my career, as well as, encompass all of my passions of traveling, singing, performing, and meeting people from around the world into one. I could not believe that I was in a room full of 30 people in suites and ties speaking so freely and authentically about an organization that has changed my life. Then we also got to perform Here and Now, the Acoustic Medley, and Keep Hope Alive. This was the first time that we had done a version of that song acoustically, and it went extremely well. I could tell that these people really connected to the message of the song, and they wanted to do something about it too! It was an awesome feeling to have while watching their faces as I sang Keep Hope Alive. They also had our picture in the brochure with a little bio!!! It was so professional and sophisticated. After it ended, we mingled with the business people, and I was presently surprised how interested they were. Then we were free to explore New York City... We got dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant. Then we walked to Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and The Chrysler Building. It was REALLY COLD! I had been to all of these places before, but it was even cooler to go back and be a tour guide in a city like New York. Then we went back to our hotel around 2:00am and talked, played games, and enjoyed being with each other. I was exhausted from that long day, but we went to bed around 4:00am. CRAZY LIFESTYLE!
1-23-19 Wednesday
Ellen, Leah, and I shared a hotel room and we got to have some girl time in the morning before breakfast. It has been really nice to be out of the staging routine and feel like I am back on the road again. It's been tough having to learn the whole show again and not get pulled for anything. We met the boys in the cafeteria for breakfast, and then we walked to Broadway and Grand Central Station. After some more city tourism, we took an uber to the airport to head back to Denver. The flight was long, and I was absolutely exhausted. We barely slept, and were going non-stop for the past two days. When I walked in the door at Jodi and Peter's, two scary Halloween figures greeted me at the door. They popped up with the motion activation and scared the crap out of me... UGGHHH. Then we had a great dinner. Ezrah, Virginie, and I had a girls night. We did face masks, had deep conversations, and watched a movie. It was so chill, and a great atmosphere to come home to. YAY!!! A 24 hour business stop in NYC was a huge success!
Today was the infamous diversity meeting. The cast performed a cross-the-line activity and took a stand for topics like: mental health, physical health, body image, drug addictions, family backgrounds, self-confidence, gun violence, identity, discrimination, social awareness, sexual orientation, personal testimonies, values, politics, and religion. The purpose was to discover the different perspectives and stories of each person in the cast. It was very impactful to see who else struggled with things that I struggled with. I learned so much about my cast mates, and myself. Frank from Indiana went into the middle of the circle and asked the conservatives of the cast to come into the middle. There was only 6 of us out of the 100 people, and he got so much hate and negative attitudes for doing it. I could not believe how many people had opposing views. Then we had to cross the line if we considered ourselves Christian. A lot of my friends from last semester knew where I stood, and I have a couple really close friends who I have had deep faith conversations with. When I crossed the line and I was in the minority... I smiled at Hayden, Brody, Frank, Gabbie, Angelis, Virginie, and Andree. These were a few people who I knew had the same values as me. There was a silent confidence about standing up for the Christian faith, and we all knew it and just smiled at each other. It was a unifying feeling. I absolutely love hearing other people's stories about why they believe what they believe. I realized that each person I meet is struggling with a battle that I have no clue about. I don't think that I will ever be in this diverse of a group ever again in my life. Then on the bus ride home, I sat next to Romane from Belgium. She asked to sit next to me so that I could share my perspective on the world, and she really listened to what I had to say. She definitely did not agree though. The biggest takeaway I had from today was that I need to learn more about politics. I am very uneducated and for the longest time liked it that way because I could just avoid it all. But, If I don't know anything, I can't stand for anything, so I will fall for everything.
1-25-19 Friday
Today was the leadership round table where 18 special guests came to speak about their career paths and different leadership styles. The biggest piece of advice I got from most of the leaders was the opportunity of networking with people from around the world. I got a great appreciation for UWP and the connections I will have everywhere. I am excited to get my career going after this semester and become unstoppable by doing things that scare me everyday and bettering myself constantly! I am so grateful for traveling, gaining perspectives, and facing fears that terrify most people. I got to see Karen and Angel today from last semester!!! Then I was pulled for the vocal workshops of the Impact Medley and Roller Coaster. It's very interesting that they are pulling me for these songs because that means I would not play Hope. It's all a huge question mark as to what I will be doing in the show. Jodi and Peter made a great meal and we went to bed so early!
1-26-19 Saturday
Today was an extremely long day. It was the first time that I auditioned/started learning music for the band! I am the only girl in the band. We spent 7 hours in this room learning the chords for 5 major songs in the show. I learned more about music theory, chord progressions, inversions, and rhythm today than all my piano lessons combined. The chords are very challenging, and I have a new respect for the role that the band plays in the show. I was managing to keep up pretty well with the band, but I know that I am going to have to work hard in order to feel comfortable on stage. Liam and I are in the same position, we both want to play in the band and perform on stage. We are hoping to switch off piano and performing for each other so that we can have the best of both worlds. Affe and the show team are willing to make those accommodations for us which is pretty cool. I know that I will gain skills in the band that will catapult me in the Music Education future. I have wanted to try this since last semester and I totally chickened out. Now that I have had my time singing, performing, and being the star of the show, I am willing to take a step back and dig my teeth into something new that scares me. I want to over come my fears and mistakes to the point where the impossible becomes muscle memory. I know that it is going to be difficult, and I will have a really hard time, but I will only get better through it. I might regret not being in the very front with a spotlight, but like I said, I have had my time to shine already. I am really nervous about learning it all, but Affe is really comforting. He will make sure that I am comfortable playing everything by the time the show comes, and that is reassuring. I also probably won't play hope, but maybe that means I can try to sing something else! My role in the show is a complete question mark and I won't know until the dress rehearsal. That uncertainty is scaring me, but I am just going to keep pushing through, practice, and do the best I can in every situation. Then Leah asked me to perform in the acoustic medley for the Host Family dinner. I was so brain dead from learning all day, but I got up there and sang Single Step... like I said, extremely long day. I completely broke down about all of this to my roommates on the car ride home. They listened to me, gave me advice, and encouraged me to challenge myself through committing to piano. We went to sonic and just talked. They are the best roommates!
Host Family Day! Today Scott, from camp up with people b17, picked me up and brought me to church with him and his family. It was a really great message about identity in the lord, and the influence parents have on their kids. I met his mom, dad, and sister, and they are the sweetest people. It blows my mind that I haven't seen him in two years, and we picked up right where we left off!! I have seen Scott, Kyra, Angelis, Autumn, Jeanna, Jaiden, Aniko, Nia, Bryce, Leo, Lydia, Kinsey, Walter, Erin, Max, and Misa since camp ended a year ago. The connections I made at camp have been so tight and they will never go away! I went out to dinner with Scott's family at a Mexican restaurant. His parents met when they traveled together in Up with People. They were so interested in my life, my experience on the road, and my advice. Scott is going to travel in a year too. I am so grateful for my camp years because it had lead me to a life long network of friends. Then Scott and I surprised Angelis and went to his host house in Denver. Hanging with the two of them brought back to many amazing memories, and I can't wait for that to continue in the future. Scott drove me home, and then I walked down to the neighbors to practice piano. I officially have 4 songs memories so far!! YAY! That's a good place to be at this point. We had steak and potatoes for dinner and I made Josie's banana bread for my host family. It was a great day!
Today, there was a huge snow storm that caused our shuttles to be 40 minutes late. It took us two and a half hours to get to our facility because of the roads. We had the infamous workshop about living in the fishbowl. Then I spent the afternoon in the band room learning as much as I could as fast as I could. I had a conversation with Michael Bowerman about my role in the show. I wanted to know the possibility of playing piano and playing Hope at the same time. Ultimately he makes the decision of where the show needs my talents most. He reassured me that he knows what I am capable of vocally and advised me to focus on keys as much as possible. I am really getting the hang of the piano, and I am loving it!! I am learning so much everyday, and it's way more valuable than voice lessons. At night, I went over to Ken and Marissa's to practice and start memorizing! We ate some banana bread, painted our nails, and did our laundry. Twas a great day.
1-29-19 Tuesday
Today, I worked really hard rehearsing the piano the entire day. Affe (From Sweden) and Josh (From the Philippines) are helping me tremendously by being patient and checking in on how I am doing. I had a really good day because, I am loving the atmosphere of band. Then Jodi and Peter took us out for Taco Tuesday!!! We went home, ate banana bread and ice cream, and watched the bachelor.
1-30-19 Wednesday/ 1-31-19 Thursday
Both of these days were busy with cast workshops, preparation for life on the road, and band practice. I have been working really hard so learn and memorize the necessary songs for the show. We have 8 days until music rehearsal with Michael Bowerman on stage and I am terrified. Every break/ free time I have is spent working on music. The pressure is starting to rack up!
2-1-19 Friday
In the morning, we looked into the variety of CA projects for this semester. It inspired me to do a project to show case every volunteer project that I have done. Then we had more band practice. Today was especially difficult because I was pulled for Keep Hope Alive and Impact Medley during band time. I was needed to perform my best vocally while running in and out of band. They were working on the hardest song of the show... Bulgaria. This song is in 7/8 and it's a huge challenge. Then we had our first cast culture fair. The midwest booth wasn't as boring as normal because we played a game of pin the tail on the donkey. I always love seeing my friends talk passionately about their home and their culture. Then, the acoustic group performed for all the guests who came. I was mentally exhausted today. I am being stretched in every direction, and I just hope I can keep up with all the pressure.
2-2-19 Saturday
Host Family Day!! In the morning, Ezrah, V, and I, went to mile high sky diving to jump out of a plane. We waited in the lobby for three and a half hours. The winds were gusting so fast that they put the entire place on a wing hold. We ended up going home around 4 and had to reschedule for tomorrow. Then the three of us went to Freddy's for lunch and talked about how excited we were for tomorrow. Then I went over to the neighbor's and practice my songs for an hour. Doing that every other day is making such a difference in my success for the show. Then we went to a salad bar for dinner. Ezrah, V, and I stayed up late playing cards.
2-3-18 Sunday
Host Family Day!! Ezrah, V, and I woke up in the morning and went sky diving!!!! We waited only 30 minutes this time. They suited us up and put a harness on, and then pushed us into the plane. My instructor told me everything that I had to do 5 seconds before I had to do it. I had no time to overthink jumping out or landing. The plane ride up was the scariest part of the entire experience. Only 10 people could fit into the plane, and we were really squished. The turbulence made the us go up and down drastically. We flew 2 miles up and over the Rocky Mountains. The view was absolutely incredible. Then we my instructor told me what to do in order to have a successful jump, and then we pushed us out of the plane. I was expecting to get a major dropping sensation in my stomach, but I didn't. It felt like I was floating in the air! There is no other feeling like it. My ears had so much pressure in them, it felt like two knives were stabbing into my ears. We were free falling for 68 seconds... that's a long time to fall. Then the parachute went off and we glided down for another 5 minutes. I was so disoriented while coming down because we were spinning a lot and we went upside down. I got extremely nauseous looking at the moving ground. I couldn't even process all that had happened. We had a really smooth landing and stood up when we hit the ground. It was the most incredible experience of my life. This is on almost everybody's bucket list, and I can check it off already in life!! That's so cool! I also have the best roommates because they did this adventure with me. Then we went home, ate lunch, and debriefed. We went to a super bowl party at night. There was fun snacks, games, and company. Many of my close friends were there so I got to hang out and watch the patriots win. Virginie and I walked home because we wanted to get some exercise and deep conversation. It was a peaceful night walk. We got coffee on the way home and ended an incredible day talking about life!
Today I spent most of the day in the band room getting prepared for music rehearsal in 5 dayzzzzzz!! My work load has decreased, and Liam's has increased. It takes a lot of pressure off me, but now I am having to do a lot more vocally. This week is going to be extremely challenging, but rewarding at the same time. After my day, John and Adam picked me up in a sick lime green jeep and we met up with Mike and Lance. It was so great to see all of them again. We got dinner at BBQ restaurant. Then we went axe throwing! I wasn't as bad as the last time I played, but still wasn't good. We played a few rounds of games and then Adam and John dropped me off at home. Virginie was fast asleep by the time I walked in the door at 9:30. Staging is exhausting...
It's Twin Day!!! Pleun and I dressed similar in our red show costumes and jeans. Then I spent the day in vocals/ band. We learned the new unplugged medley, and it is completely different than last semester. I am really excited about the new songs and their transitions. I worked on my piano songs along with many of the vocal songs. I sat next to Juliette from Belgium on the bus and had another really deep conversation with her. It was a good day:) Today was taco Tuesday so we went out to dinner for dollar tacos.
2-6-19 Wednesday
Today was more band practice, mental breakdowns, perseverance, and appreciation.
2-7-19 Thursday
SNOW DAY!!!! It was snowing all night last night, and our whole day was canceled because the roads were so bad. We slept in until 9am which is an extra three hours of sleep. It was extremely needed because everyone in the cast is getting sick. I'm hoping this day gives everyone a chance to catch up on sleep and work for the show. V made scrambled eggs in the morning, and then we walked to Josh's pond in the 9 degree weather. We were so cold that we turned around and went home within 10 minutes. Then we decided to be courageous and walk to the Pharmacy for cold medicine. We walked for 30 minutes and I was convinced that I got frost bite. We took a pitstop in Starbucks and then went to King Soopers. Jodi and Peter picked us up because we could not walk back in the cold. Then I went over to Ken and Marissa's to get my review in today. The snow day caused the band to miss crucial practice time, but I think we will be okay.
2-9-19 Saturday
The cast had the picture in the morning at Manuel High School. Then the band drove the truck to the other facility and practiced for the majority of the day. We played Heads Up as a band on the drive and it was a great bonding time! We ran through the entire show! Then we striked the room we were using for the past two weeks, and brought the band equipment to the stage. I had one of the hardest days emotionally today. The production team told me that I will probably not be playing hope or really singing at all in the first show. They want me to focus on band, and they have other competent singers this semester. I was at first heartbroken watching another girl perform the song that means the most to me in the show, but then I just got angry. I wasn't angry that someone else was playing Hope, but I was angry at the production team for telling me that I would play half the show and sing half the show. Affe made arrangements in the band to have two piano players so that I could do that. If they would have told me from the beginning that I wouldn't be singing, everything would be so much better. I love being in the band so much, but singing is me strength and passion. I know it will all work out, but it was a hard reality to grasp. I also feel such a disconnect from the cast because I'm always away in the band room. Watching everyone up on stage together learning blocking made me feel like I was missing out. I know that I am getting a unique experience participating in both worlds of Up with People. I just really need to keep perspective through this next week. Daniel (From Mexico) and I went to go get coffee, and he gave me a lot of hope and excitement for being in the band on the road. Then Ezrah, V, Santa and I all went over to Santa's house in downtown Denver. We ate dinner at this Irish Pub and the girls listened to me express all my problems. They were so supportive, and I felt so much better afterwards. We went to a famous Belgian artists concert called Lost Frequencies. It was unlike anything I had ever been to before. Crazy lights, loud music, and a fun time.
2-10-19 Sunday
Host Family Day!! After the concert last night, we all slept in really late. I started feeling pretty sick with a runny nose and sore throat. Jodi took me and my roommates to Pear Street. We ate a really good lunch at this Belgian restaurant and then shopped for the rest of the day. We bought sodas and candy at rocket fizz. Then I went to the neighbors to practice my songs some more. When I got home, I took a nap and tried to regain my health before music rehearsal tomorrow!!1
2-11-19 Monday
It's the infamous music rehearsal day. I have been nervously waiting for this day since staging started. It is the first time that the cast saw who was in the band and how good we were at playing the show. We had many rough patches, and glares from Michael Bowerman. It was one of the most successful music rehearsals in a few years. I feel really happy about being in the band, but also I miss performing solos with the cast supporting me. I got to rehearse Does it Really Matter, Roller Coaster, Impact Medley, and Crossroads vocally. I was so sick that I cracked really bad in the belting section. I was really embarrassed, but I knew that the vocal team understood that I was really sick and needed time to rest. I am just glad that while I am sick, I at least have the piano to keep me busy.
2-12-19 Tuesday 2-14-19 Thursday
The rest of "Hell Week" is in full speed. Each day we run through the entire show two or three times. It is completely exhausting, but this cast is significantly better at this point than the cast last semester. I am on vocal rest for these three days because I lost my voice. I am devastated that I cannot prove that I can manage singing solos with piano transitions because my voice is letting me down. Singing always comes easy to me, and in this week, I can't control anything that comes out. So, I just played my songs and went on for cast movement. I also wanted to rehearse Hope for the new blocking, but I couldn't because I inconveniently got sick during this time. At first, I was so upset with the whole situation and myself. Then, Walter and Michael talked to me and thanked me for the personal sacrifice that I made to be in the band. They said we could not even have a show if Liam and I didn't play. They both want me to sing and play Hope and when I am feeling good, I am going to work hard to get that show spot. This whole experience has been extremely humbling because the band is hidden in the back corner with little to no recognition. That was a major adjustment that I had to overcome. This cast barely knows that I can sing at all, and it has been really hard to accept that and just focus on playing the piano. I know that it will all get better when I'm on the road. My band has been so extremely supportive and encouraging. It's a little family within the huge cast. We have Affe on electric guitar, Talin on electric guitar, David on acoustic guitar, Daniel on bass, Aaron on drums, and Liam and I on piano. Our band name is Divine Dingus, and I made shirts for all of us and we wore them for dress rehearsal. I have had some major struggles this past week, but being in the band was a blessing in disguise.
2-15-19 Friday
Show Day!!!!!! We ran through the show twice before the actual performance. At this point, the cast is extremely exhausted. I am not all that excited to perform because I can't sing any songs that I have been pulled. My congestion and throat are really bad, and I'm starting to think that I have vocal nodules. I have been really sick for a week now and it's getting worse. At least I can rest and still have a role in the show with the piano. The music director has changed the Unplugged Medley in the show on 5 different occasions and it is completely different than last semester. I am really bummed that I can't even do that in the show. I am praying that I can heal soon!!! When it was show time, the band circled up and we just encouraged each other and realized how far we had come to be able to get through the entire show together. Affe is one of the most talented musicians I have ever met, and it was surprising to me how nervous he gets to perform!!! HAHA!! This show was one of the best first shows from a cast that UWP has seen in a long time. We have so many great performers, and we all celebrated with each other after the show! It was a great feeling of accomplishment and relief. I saw Scott and his family again, Ivy- Lynn, and Bryce from camp. Then Ivy came over and spent the night at our house. We stayed up and talked about the show! Hell Week is finally over!
2-16-19 Saturday
We got to sleep in a whole extra hour today! In the morning, we rehearsed songs and blocking for the Gala happening in two weeks. Then the cast started striking the stage, and I got to start my assistantship with Alicen as hospitality. We learned logistics of the job and alumni receptions after shows on the road. Then we had acoustic promo rehearsal because there are three performances next week. They made yet another change to the medley. I really hope that I can sing again on Monday because my voice STILL isn't back. Today was the day that I had to say goodbye to all the staging shirts like Camryn, Stephon, Pauline, and Ellen. They were some really hard goodbyes, but I am hoping to see them later on tour and at camp!! Fingers Crossed. Then Jodi and Peter took us to dinner at Olive Garden!!
2-17-19 Sunday
Last full day of staging! I am so excited to get on the road and gain more life changing experiences. I am sad to change roommates and host families. Today, we slept in pretty late and regained energy. Then, we went out for lunch at noodles and I bought ingredients for tater tot hot dish at King Soopers. We got our foot massages that were very much needed by the end of staging. Then I made the final meal and banana bread!! We ate, packed, and shared our favorite memories. We leave tomorrow and start life on the road and I am SOOOOO excited!!!!
End of Staging
