Well hey there (hola amigos!), I'm Serena Johnson, a 17-year-old, who is heading off to Ecuador for the next academic year! Now my story is a bit special.  You would think that I'm taking my senior abroad but I am actually taking a gap year and heading off to the wonderful place of Ecuador full of jungle animals and warm beaches.  Just about a month ago, I graduated from Wilson High School in Portland, OR and am now free from required schooling.  Instead of heading straight off to college like most of my friends, I've decided to take a gap year and study abroad.  My philosophy on this subject is that if not now, when?  Once one goes into college and solidifies a major there really is no turning back.  I want to have a year to both reflect on my life as well as grow as a person for the future ahead of me.  One can only successfully do that by stepping out of one's comfort zone. In my case, stepping into another country.  Hope you enjoy my stories, adventures, photos, and pondering thoughts!