Introducing myself and my journal: Ellie Writes

About Me:
I've decided to document my attempts to plan and prepare for a year of living what most people in my day to day life refer to as "stupidly" - that is, I want to take time off to participate in service learning projects in developing countries.

One of those unfortunate twenty-somethings whose college graduation coincided with the breakdown of the economy, I've struggled for the past couple of years to find domestic employment. The plan has been to save up enough money to make regular payments on my education loans while abroad.

I had been planning to take off within the next few months. However, a recent (make that very recent) near deadly car accident has set me back both in the health and financial areas. Spurring my decision to write are the resulting cognitive troubles, which have caused me many dark hours. It is hoped that this documentation process will be a form of rehabilitation and a source of motivation.