Hi! My name is Blake Allred and I am majoring in
International Relations with a minor in Spanish. I chose this major because I love travelling
and meeting new people and learning about their cultures and traditions. One of my favorite things about the classes I
take is the chance that I have to meet other people from a very diverse range
of backgrounds. If all goes well, I will
be graduating this semester, so this part of my college journey is coming to an
end. I’m still not sure how I feel about
this, it is kind of a mixture between excitement and dread, but overall, I am
glad I could have such a wonderful experience here at OU and that I am now able
to graduate.
This summer we went on a family vacation to visit my
grandparents who live in rural Colorado.
My grandpa is a retired pilot and owns his own plane and built his
retirement home right next to a remote airstrip. When we went there this summer, I was able to
go out flying with him and even fly his plane for a while. It was a ton of fun.
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| Just one of the many new "friends" I made in Peru. Personal Photo, Feb 2016 |
I spent two years in Peru as a missionary after my freshman
year here at OU. While there, I had a
fun time and learned and grew a lot as a person. Life is a little bit simpler in Peru and I
gained an appreciation for all of the many opportunities we have here in the U.S.
Unfortunately, one of the downsides to living in a third world country is
dealing with wild dogs. There were many
strays in Peru and the huge majority of them were not exactly… friendly. Before that time, I had really liked
dogs. After routinely defending myself
from the wild animals with a slingshot for a couple of months, my attitude
towards the beasts quickly changed. I think something inside my heart broke, because
even today I am ambivalent towards all canines.
That's awesome that you were able to live in Peru! I have always wanted to explore South America, but I don't want to go until I have basic Spanish speaking skills. I am currently studying Spanish on Duolingo, so maybe you can give me some tips! I understand what you mean about wild dogs. I went to Athens while I was studying abroad, and Athens has so many stray dogs who wander the streets. They are so big, and unafraid of humans! Thankfully none bothered me, so I still love me some doggos.
ReplyDeleteHey Blake, it's pretty cool you got to spend time in Peru. I know several people who have lived overseas for a time and they always come back with the most interesting stories. Though, it is unfortunate about the feral dogs problem. Those kinds of problems aren't something most people think about when they consider going overseas. Anyways, best of luck in your future endeavors.
ReplyDeleteHi Blake! Traveling through the magic of words and stories is obviously not as good as the real thing, but I hope you can use this class as a way to explore the world in a new way, maybe reading stories from places you already know, or going to completely new places you have not visited in the real world (yet). And how great that you had a chance to really spend time in Peru like that (wild dogs aside). Maybe you might even want to do an Incan mythology project for class; that is something no one has done before, and it would be such a great learning opportunity for everybody in the class! Here's one possible source: The Myths of Mexico and Peru by Lewis Spence. ... you might want to take a look at that when you do the topic brainstorming later this week! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Blake! First of all, I have to say that your thoughts on graduating are so relatable! I'm only a junior, but I already feel the excitement and dread that are coming. I think it's wonderful that you were able to spend an extended period of time in Peru. Most Americans probably will never spend that much time in another country! Also, your grandfather sounds really cool, and I'm jealous that you got to fly a plane! Good luck finishing the semester and graduating.
ReplyDeleteHi Blake, I know exactly how you feel when it comes to graduation. I plan on graduating next Spring and I can't believe that my time here is almost over. It feels like yesterday I was living in the dorms as a freshman and eating Cane's almost every day. Living in Peru for that amount of time must have been a great experience that I'm sure you will never forget. Personally, I don't think I could have done it because I would have missed the US too much, but I do believe everyone should travel more and experience new countries and cultures.
ReplyDeleteHi Blake!
ReplyDeleteI do not envy your position on the edge of real adulthood, I'm so glad I've got one more year! But I'm sure you'll do great out there! Good luck!
That's so cool that you got to fly your Grandpa's plane! I recently got to fly in a tiny aircraft with an avaition major here at OU and the expericence was incredible.
I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience with dogs. I hope, in the future, you'll be able to love them again. I've never really thought about wild dogs elsewhere in the world, what a traumatizing experience to have! It would be really interesting to read about that experience in your stories this semester if you get the chance!
Nice to "meet" you!
Hello Blake!
ReplyDeleteTraveling and exploring new cultures is a great way to pass the time. I think it’s really cool that you got to go out flying with family in Colorado, that seems like an interesting experience. Also, I have always wanted to visit Peru, but I doubt that I would enjoy defending myself from stray dogs. I’m sorry that you had such a horrible experience with dogs in your life. But hopefully, one day that can change. Anyway, I wish you good luck for this semester!
Hey Blake!
ReplyDeleteIts awesome you got to spend two years in Peru. Im sure that was an awesome experience you will never forget and have plenty of stories to tell for the rest of your life! Ive been to a couple countries that had a stray dog problem as well but I never ran into any mean ones. Mostly because I was only there for a week or just tried to avoid them as much as possible. Im graduating in December as well so I understand the feeling you're going through. It is scary but exciting all in one and I wish there was a word to express that emotion. I hope you have a good semester and good luck on the job hunt!
Hi Blake! That's an exciting major! I'm thinking about joining OU Cousins this semester, so maybe I'll also get a glimpse of other cultures too! Wow, you spent two years in Peru?! That sounds amazing! But it stinks that you lost your love towards dogs. I'm not a huge fan either. Looking at these introductions, so many people have really cute dogs, but that's about the extent of my liking. Congrats on reaching your last semester and good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Blake, I jealous that you have chosen a major that encourages you to meet people from many different cultures and to be able to travel there yourself! I am sorry your experience with dogs in Peru has ruined them for you, most domesticated dogs are not like that so never fear. I also went to Colorado this summer, and I am graduating next fall so I feel your apprehension on a personal level, best of luck with your future career!
ReplyDeleteHi Blake! Wow, I’ve never met anyone whose actually lived in Peru. That sounds like such a fun experience. I’m sure the difference in the atmosphere, culture, lifestyle, and people must have been very eye opening. Haha it’s crazy how even the dogs are different from place to place. I think a minor in Spanish will be so helpful in so many areas of your life. Looking forward to your stories!
ReplyDeleteHello Blake! Your major sounds really fun and you get to travel to places. That is definitely a plus! I am also graduating this semester and I quite understand your feeling, I feel a bit scare because I will be facing the 'real' world after graduation, but at the same time, I am excite to be out and learn more new things. Your grandpa is quite a cool and awesome person. It is also great that you get to go to Peru and I am so sorry that your feeling toward dogs are mixed now (but I hope you will be okay later on!). Good luck with the rest of the semester and nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteHey, Blake! Living in Peru sounds like it was a great experience for you, except for the wild dogs part. That makes me so sad because I love dogs so much, I was actually mauled by a dog as a kid and still love them so much. Traveling the world and experiencing other cultures is a dream of mine and it is so awesome that we share that interest. My grandpa was also a pilot, he flew for the Air Force and the Army. So we have that in common as well. I wish you the best of luck after you graduate, have a great rest of the semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Blake! That is really cool that you spent time in Peru. However, I am so sorry that the wild animals ruined dogs for you. I absolutely love dogs so I cannot imagine an experience that would ruin them for me. It is really cool that you Grandpa was a pilot and you can bond over flying with him. It sounds like you had a lot of fun in Colorado. Good luck this semester and good luck with the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Blake,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on graduating at the end of this semester. I should hopefully be done in May after finishing a Spanish course. Since you are minoring in Spanish and have spent so much time in Peru I am sure you are pretty good a speaking Spanish. This is something I do not think I will ever get the hang of no matter how many courses I take. I did not know that wild dogs were an issue in Peru. I’m sorry you are hesitant around dogs now. Good luck finishing the semester and in this class.
Hi Blake,
ReplyDeleteI love to see that you are achieving a minor in Spanish! I too took several Spanish classes at OU, and even studied abroad in Spain. I would love to explore Peru and explore the culture there. After I graduate, I want to do a year long mission in a Spanish speaking country, and I am looking at some south american countries! I am so sorry to hear about the unfriendly canines. I love dogs, and I am sad that there are so many without homes and love in Peru.
Hi Blake! That's super cool that you got to spend such a long time in Peru — I'm sorry the dogs there were a little too aggressive, though. I've never been, but when dogs aren't sweet, they scare me, so I can see where you're coming from. It's definitely sad so many dogs there don't have owners and loving homes. I'm also graduating this semester, so good luck to you in your classes. I look forward to reading your stories this semester.
ReplyDeleteHello, Blake.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you plan on doing after graduation? If I were you I would travel for as long as I could get away with it. It is so cool that you got to be a missionary in Peru. I thought about being a International Studies double major for a while, but philosophy has always been my calling and true love.
Hi, Blake!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being so close to graduation! I am sure you have bitter-sweet feelings about it. But, that is so awesome that your degree is something you are so passionate about. I'm sure you will go far with all that you do!
Also, that's awesome that you got to go to Peru and fly around with in a plane. That is something that is on my bucket list still!
I look forward to reading your story!
Hey, Blake!
ReplyDeleteYou have such an awesome story! I’m also graduating this semester, so I bet we’re in the same boat with being ready to be done. Do you have any immediate plans for the spring?
And how cool that you were able to serve by doing missions in Peru for two whole years? I’m curious through what organization you were able to do this. What an incredible way to expand your perspective and help people in other parts of the world. That makes me so sad about that dog…When I first saw the picture, I thought it was intended to be funny. I can’t believe that was a personal picture!
Hey there, Blake!
ReplyDeleteYou have had quite the experience traveling abroad! I have always wanted to do something like that, but I never had the right opportunity. I think it is awesome that you were able to experience a different culture and speak a different language. Those memories will last a lifetime for you. It was a bit unfortunate to see that dogs were so vicious to you in Peru. I did think that the photo of the dog was a bit surprising. You weren't kidding! I wish you the best moving forward in your life.
Blake I am so depressed about your new dislike of dogs!! I totally get it but what a bummer! Still what an amazing opportunity to minister in Peru - and for two whole years? That's absolutely insane! It's awesome that your major so matches up with your passions - not many people can say that. I totally get you on graduation anxiety (I'm a senior this year as well) but it sounds like you have a lot of really exciting things to look forward to in your post grad life! Sending you major happy thoughts as you finish up your last semester here!
ReplyDeleteHi Blake! That's so cool that your grandpa is a retired pilot. My best friends dad is also a retired pilot and she always tells me so many different cool stories from before he retired. Also, your major sounds really cool. That' s not one that i've heard of a lot of people studying but it sounds really interesting. Congratulations on graduating soon and I hope that you have a very successful and fulfilling future career.
ReplyDeleteHello Blake. That experience with the wild dogs had to have been tough. Was a slingshot the best thing for you to use in that situation? Seems like an odd choice but then again, you were in a different world basically. Maybe one day you will get past the fear of dogs but cats are awesome :) so there is always that. Congratulations on hopefully graduating this semester.
ReplyDeleteHey Blake. Congrats on your last semester here at OU. It must have been an interesting experience going to Peru. I am sorry to hear that it resulted in a fear of dogs and I hope one day you are able to move past it. Why was it two years in Peru? I understand going over the summer, or maybe a semester but two years is quite a while and then to come back and then continue in your education. Good luck the rest of the semester.
ReplyDeleteHi there Blake, it is so nice to meet ya!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I probably shouldn't have laughed when you said you defended yourself from wild dogs with a slingshot, but I imagined it in my head and it seemed a little comedic. I, myself, probably would have been screwed though. Two years in Peru? That is incredible... what is it like to pack yourself up and go off for that long? I have been building myself to that point for many years now, and I think my time to do it is coming soon, I just need to decide where!
Hi Blake! Nice to meet you. I hope you are getting excited as the weeks are starting to come to a close for this semester. Only a short 5 more weeks! That's great that you will be graduating soon. Sounds like you had a lot of experiences in Peru. That's one place I haven't been yet, and would like to visit some day. I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the semester, and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHey Blake. Congrats on almost being done with college! Reading about your future plans is a pretty exciting. The one thing that really stuck out to me was the trip that you made in Peru. The picture you included of your friend was also kind of humorous. Sorry to hear that your love for dogs started to falter though, hopefully you find enough loving dogs to change your mind again. Have a great rest of the semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Blake! Nice to meet you. Your major definitely seems to suit you from what I can tell. Living in Peru would be amazing, but I'm not sure about a long period of time. I'm sure it was a great learning experience. That's so crazy that you had to deal with wild dogs! That's not something I would even think to consider. I'm sad for you that they changed your mind for dogs. I love them! They're typically much nicer in the U.S. (usually, right?), so maybe they'll change your mind. Good luck with the semester and graduating soon!
ReplyDeleteHi Blake!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I really like the design and layout of your blog. I also thought how you incorporated personal photos into your introduction were really neat. I think it’s so cool that you lived in Peru for two years and worked as a missionary! I too love traveling and I hope you are having a good semester so far!
Hello Blake, first of all I’d like to congratulate you on almost graduating! I hope to graduate next semester so I get the same feeling and understand where you are coming from. I think it’s awesome you got to spend two years in Peru. I’d like to travel to South America one day in particular, Argentina. I hope you gain back the trust in dogs and hope your semester goes well!
ReplyDeleteHi Blake! Wow that is so cool that you spent so much time in Peru! As a dog lover, I can empathize with you on the wild dog problem. I'm sure that would be so hard and it would definitely break my heart for sure! I have never been to Colorado, but I am going there over the break with my family and I am so excited! Congrats on being so close to finishing, I'm sure you are equally excited and nervous to start a new chapter in your life.
ReplyDelete