My Safe Place

By: Heather Ricchi 

After a long stressful day of studying and taking so many notes to where I think my hand might actually fall off, there is one place that I can go to that allows me to put the negative events that happened behind me. The soothing light grey walls that surround my room create an atmosphere where I feel peace and relaxation as soon as I enter. In the middle of my room there is a large bed covered by a cream ruffle blanket and multiple plush pillows. When I lay in this bed I sink into it as if I am getting the biggest hug. Next to my bed there is a huge window. When I look out this window it’s like I’m looking into a new world. Out side of this window there are cows, raccoons and horses that make there way past this window at different times of the day. My room makes me feel secure but it also allows me to be adventurous and explore.  

My room reflects who I am. From pictures of vogue magazine covers to painted bible verses mounted on my walls my room allows others to see what I enjoy along with my unique personality. My bedroom is one of my favorite destinations. This space is extremely special to me because when I am in my room I am surrounded by other rooms filled with my loving, supportive and encouraging family. I know that when I come to my bedroom I will always feel safe.

                                                              My plush, cozy cream bed.

                                        My window that allows me to explore beyond my bedroom walls.

                                            One of the Vogue magazines mounted on my wall.

Links:

http://www.vogue.com/

http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/inspirational-bible-verses/

http://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-usa-vacations/

Contact Information: 

Email: Heather.a.ricchi10@ou.edu

Phone: 214-551-2717

Twitter: @heatherricchi4 
Facebook: @heatherricchi
Instagram: @heatherricchi

Connecting with Others

By: Heather Ricchi

Growing up in a Christian home my faith has always been extremely important to me. I had no idea that studying abroad in Puerto Rico and learning about the five pillars of tourism would allow me to learn about an attraction that is treasured by Puerto Ricans, and is extremely important to their faith.

The Three Kings parade is a historic festival has been celebrated in this tiny Puerto Rican town for the past 133 years, and across Christendom for millennia. Getting to experience this event was incredible and my favorite part of my study abroad experience in Puerto Rico. Walking into the festival I was a little overwhelmed at first by the celebration and music surrounding a crowd of swarming people in the streets. I did not know that this event was so important to Puerto Ricans, but I soon learned that this festival brought Puerto Ricans that lived in the Unites States back to Puerto Rico to celebrate. This celebration allowed me to really feel as if I were a local for the day. At this festival I got to worship our amazing God with people who I had never met before. This was a memory that I will never forget. Looking back on my experience at the Three Kings Celebration I am amazed that I got to study and learn about a famous Puerto Rican tradition, but at the same time I got to express my Catholic faith with others. Getting to connect with the people at the festival that share the same religion as me was remarkable.

People from all over the world travel to Puerto Rico to experience the Three Kinds Parade.

                Authentic Puerto Rican cuisine can be bought at the Three Kings Celebration.

                      Excitement filled the streets as King Gaspar walked in the parade. 

Links:

https://www.whychristmas.com/story/wisemen.shtml

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/three-kings-2012/

http://gopuertorico.about.com/od/eventsandholidays/tp/The-History-And-Meaning-Of-Three-Kings-Day-In-Puerto-Rico.htm

Contact Information: 

Email: Heather.a.ricchi10@ou.edu

Phone: 214-551-2715

Twitter: @heatherricchi4
Facebook: @heatherricchi
Instagram: @heatherricchi