Lesson Learned

Tonight as I was talking with my Mom, I realized that exactly a year ago I was home for the weekend. Unfortunately, that weekend I wasn't home for fun and excited things….I was home because that Monday I had to go downtown Chicago to get an emergency passport.

Let's back track a bit.

Last spring break I went to India as a part of the "Doing Business in India" class offered at Bradley. At the end of February, as we were filling out our visa information, Jim Foley mentioned that we had to give him our passports in the next few days. Not thinking anything of it, I called my Dad and asked him to send my passport so I can hand it in. Jokes were on me. I awaited the arrival of my passport and checked the tracking on the package everyday. Once I saw the words "DELIVERED" on my computer screen, I ran down to my mailbox (in St. James Apts) to fetch it…nothing was there. I was confused, but decided to wait a few hours and check again, but there was nothing. A little worried, I waited until the next afternoon, again, nothing. Before I could even try to feel anything, tears were running down my face. Of course this would happen to me. Knowing that my passport was gone made me feel like part of me was gone. I knew that I'd never get back my stamps from traveling while I studied abroad. 

Long story short, the post office didn't have my package and they didn't find it in any of their trucks, blah blah. Whatever that story is, I will forever be mad about it. With bloodshot eyes and a scratchy throat from balling to my roommates and parents, I calmed down and started to figure out what I had to do. After a lot of research, I realized that I had to go to Chicago ASAP to get a new passport. 

So that infamous Monday my Mom (she's the best) and I travelled to the city in hopes something would work out. Well, things weren't as easy as we'd like and I am forever thankful to my Mom for all she put up with that day just for me. Some of the things included running across the street to Walgreens for a smaller passport picture and searching 3 blocks away to find a FedEx so Jim Foley could fax me a letter to get proof that Bradley needed my passport the next day. WHAT. A. MESS. Things thankfully came together and I was finally able to leave that day, 8 hours later, with a  new passport. 

So folks, my advice to you….

1. never mail a passport

2. ALWAYS make copies of your passport and when you travel, carry a copy as well as e-mail one to yourself so you have access to it anywhere if needed

3. when working with government workers: keep calm, bite your tongue, and even if they're being mean, they're always "right"

4. always thank your parents for everything they do for you

Now that I'm all frustrated about this incident, I say good night! 

=)