After a competitive interview process to get into the program back in October and then a grueling test administered by BOCOG officials over two weeks ago, it is official:
I’m going to the Beijing Olympics this summer!!
It has been weeks of preparation, anticipation and suspense waiting for this announcement. After reading the email, there was sigh of relief and now a gigantic smile is plastered on my face.
Here’s a glimpse of some landmarks since I first found out about the program:
Timeline:
Sept. 13 – The Beijing Olympics Program was announced
Sept. 24 – Information session on program
Sept. 28 – Deadline to apply – 143 students applied
Oct. 15 – Notified I made it to second round in application process – 58 students selected
Oct. 30 – My interview
Nov. 1 – News that I got into the program – 35 students selected
Dec. 14 – Meeting for accepted students – first time we meet
Jan. 23 – Sports Journalism and Chinese Culture class starts
Feb. 27 – Written portion of test with BOCOG officials
Feb. 28 – Debate portion of test with the BOCOG officials
Mar. 18 – Official confirmation that the whole class is going!!
Next on the timeline will be departure for the Olympics! I have to be in Beijing July 8. Between now and then I will be working on my Mandarin and preparing for the journalism tasks we’ll be doing at the Olympics.
Thanks so much for everyone’s ongoing support!
- One ecstatic Helen!
