Lilly Hromadka, 135 TESS
It’s crazy to think these years have gone by
First the one, then the other, in the blink of an eye.
“We thank you for your service!” they say, as you head for the door,
But we thank you for so much more, because of you we can soar.
The first batch back, post-pandemic – what a feat!
You dusted off the chairs, set the table, took a seat.
Through the highs and the lows, no matter what came your way
You showed us the best paths, what to do, what to say
From PST to Reconnect, you were always by our side,
To your own COS, we were like partners on this ride
A journey so magical, so harrowing, so profound
There was so much more to you,
Many treasures to be found
So as you move forward, and we stay behind
Listen for our voices – in our bond, a strength to find
Some will take flight, venture far and wide
“Cadi and I are traveling for nearly 3 full months! With a friend’s wedding in France in early June, we decided this was the time in our life to continue immersing ourselves abroad. We’ll spend time in Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, France, and Portugal all before heading back to the States. From there, we hope to be abroad again by early fall continuing our path of service and education!” – Bradford Reszel, 134 TESS
“I have a library of 300+ unread books collected over the past 30 years. Will take a suitcase full of them to Valencia, Spain to read in the cafes when not biking to photograph cathedrals.” – Jon W., 134 TESS
“Getting a Masters in Intercultural Theology in Germany.” – Teresa Derr, 134 YinD
While others head back home, make their way Stateside.
“Traveling Asia for two months. Then going back to school to get my MSW!” – Clare Peppler, 134 YinD
“I am going to vacation for a week in Vietnam and then I come right back to Thailand to start my new job! I will be a Project Management Fellow for Karen Human Rights Group to support their mission to improve the human rights situation in southeast Burma. After my one year appointment I have been invited to join Georgetown University’s Global Human Development graduate program to continue my studies of political economy, humanitarian crises and displacement, and ethical leadership in development.” – Bianca Palese, 134 TESS
Still more continue here, in this country they’ve been a guest
For now, with two years gone, it’s become a comfy nest
“I’ll be staying on in Bangkok for another year as the Peace Corps Volunteer Leader! I’ll be splitting my time between the Thailand Department of Local Administration and the Peace Corps office.” – Kayla Kawalec, 134 (YinD) PCVL
“Extending for another year!” – Annalise Wood, 133 TESS
“Online MA in International Affairs and Diplomacy at the Open University of Catalonia and United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
10-day road trip around Kyushu, Japan.
Visit family in the US for 2 months.
Return to Thailand to teach English at Eastern Asia University in Pathum Thani.” – Symon Majewski, 134 TESS
No matter where you go, what you do, what you say
Remember us here at home, we’ll always cheer you on your way.
“I’m always available as a resource and listening ear for any Volunteer needs/questions/concerns/etc. Thank you for all that you do!” – Kayla Kawalec
“Stay in touch!” – Symon Majewski
“Keep being the great leaders you are, 135! All the best!” -BR and CD
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
in any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
You’ll look up and down streets. Look ’em over with care.
About some you will l say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any
you’ll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you’ll head straight out of town.
It’s opener there,
in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen,
don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
You’ll start happening too.
Oh, the places you’ll go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to great heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you’ll top all the rest.
Except when you don’t.
Because, sometimes, you won’t.
– Dr. Suess, “Oh the Places You’ll Go!”
To Groups 133 & 134, from the Sticky Rice team and Group 135. Congratulations on your close of service, and best of luck in all your future endeavors, we’ll miss you!
Sticky Rice 
Share your thoughts