Pawlu and Peace - What This Year Has Taught Me
To start the recap of this year would be like attempting to watch Grey’s Anatomy from the start and trying to finish the entire ongoing series in a year; this being said, it’s a challenge. The year isn’t quite over yet, but (currently) 339 days have passed, and my brain still can’t grasp the amount that has occurred. This has truly been a year to remember, from being accepted in my dream school to traveling across the globe alone and everything in between.
This might be a lengthy read—after all, it’s a year’s worth of reflection! So sit back, grab a sweet treat, and join me as I share the highlights, lessons, and gifts this year has brought my way.
Prayers do come true and my dream became a reality
2024 started with a literal cold plunge…I can still feel the rush of icy water to my skin as I ran into the freezing ocean during the penguin plunge.
After this exciting beginning to the new year, little did I know just a few short days later, my initial excitement for the upcoming year was about to change with the passing of my Grandfather.
Now, Papa’s passing was upsetting and made me slightly frustrated, I found solace in knowing that it was his time. When God calls us home, we must answer the call, even if we have to put our loved ones on hold.
Oh, I’m going to be a Tar Heel! - This is the statement I would use to summarize January and to manifest the future. Sweet, sweet UNC, I prayed each night for about six months before this day, just dreaming I would be accepted. With answered prayers, my eyes read, “Congratulations, I’m pleased to offer you admission,” surrounded by my family members. For me, there was no better feeling than this moment. Even if my father is the most “anyone but Carolina” basketball fan, I know he was just as excited as I was.
The local friends matter the most
February and March entailed pretty much the same routines - The whirlwind of teenage adventures (the details of which I’ll refrain from spilling), but it was incredibly refreshing to spend time with the friends I’ve grown so close to over the years. From spontaneous trips to Wingstop to Prom and SpringBreak; every moment was filled with fun and laughter, making these months truly unforgettable!
The Future comes way to fast
With my acceptance to UNC, I was a finalist for the UNC-Global Gap Year Fellowship and participated in an interview and finalist weekend to soon hear I was put on the waitlist. Oh well, to Chapel Hill I go! (Gentle foreshadowing)
Things were starting to get real, Lighting Mcqueen, lighting speed. I had my senior pictures taken (with the best photographer I know @ Dana Parker) and started to plan my graduation party. It was all coming too fast, I didn’t even have a hold of my horses they were going too fast, let alone the whirlwind of emotions and events that were to come.
Say yes, and make the memories that will last forever
With less than a month until graduation, May was packed with activity. From playing my final high school golf matches alongside my best buddy, Trent, to celebrating at graduation parties for dear friends, every moment felt bittersweet. Of course, there were also some mischievous senior pranks (just ask Patrick Greene for the fishy details). As the days flew by, I found myself cherishing these “lasts,” knowing these memories would stay with me for a lifetime. There was no way I could let moments like these pass me by.
‘Celebrate good times, come on’
“Hello, Owen, I hope this email finds you well. On behalf of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Campus Y, we are pleased to offer you a position in the Cohort for the 2024-2025 Class of the Global Gap Year Fellowship.”
You’ve got to be kidding me. That was my actual response. I was sitting at home in the recliner, about to hop in the shower and get ready for my Senior Scholarship Awards Night. Instead of feeling thrilled, I was furious—questions flooded my mind. Why wasn’t I accepted in the first round? What would this mean for the upcoming year? I was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do.
Without even brushing my teeth, I jumped in my car and drove to school. There was only one person I needed to see for advice: Emily Lahr. Sitting in her office, I unloaded all my frustrations about the situation. She listened patiently before hitting me with the truth I needed to hear: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you would be stupid not to take it.” And just like that, I made my decision. I was going to take a gap year and go abroad.
Graduation was nothing short of incredible—but let’s just say the after-party was so wild it landed me on the bathroom floor (no further details required).
With the thrill of the summer ahead, I moved to the beach, ready to embrace whatever came next and get a killer tan.
Your true community will always show up
July was nothing short of incredible. My absolute best friend made the trip to the beach just to celebrate my 18th birthday, saving me from working at the restaurant on my birthday. The 4th of July was a blast (shoutout to Billy and Art for their courteous beverage contributions), and to top it all off, I met the amazing Global Gap Year Cohort. We clicked instantly, and suddenly I realized my community of friends stretched into corners I hadn’t even noticed before. It was a month of celebration, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Just do the shi* that makes you happy
August was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Honestly, it was tough at times. While everyone else was moving into college, I found myself at home, frustrated that I couldn’t secure a placement abroad yet. To top it off, I’d worked so much in July that I felt like I’d missed out on the summer fun I’d hoped for—“real life” had definitely gotten in the way.
But August also brought a spark of inspiration. I launched The nOMaDic Tar Heel and nOMaDic Photography as a way to document my travels and capture every unforgettable moment. It felt like the beginning of something exciting and entirely my own.
This month also became a time for spontaneity and doing whatever made me happy. Case in point: I stumbled upon an ad for a “Back-to-School Flash Tattoo Sale.” Bring school supplies, and get two tattoos for the price of one, how could I pass that up? So, I went for it, and, it was one heck of a deal.
These new beginnings only set the tone for the rest of the year…
You’re widely capable of much more than you think
After navigating the visa process for my journey abroad (check out my other blog posts for more details), I found myself even further behind MY schedule in the original departure plans from the USA. Rather than spending my days staring at the same four walls in Snow Hill, I decided to make the most of my free time by booking my first solo trip—to Chicago.
This adventure became a turning point for me. Not only did I fund the trip entirely on my own, but I also explored the vibrant city and felt more alive than ever. It was during this trip that I discovered a passion for photography and uncovered an artistic eye for the hidden gems in everyday details—those quiet splendors that often go unnoticed.
But Chicago wasn’t the only highlight of September. The month came with its own set of challenges and obstacles, including an eventful trip to Washington, D.C. (Be sure to read about that journey too)
The Value of waiting
The two months leading up to my journey abroad were anything but easy. I felt frustrated, impatient, and bogged down. Yet, looking back, I realize that this season of waiting was exactly what I needed—even if I didn’t recognize it at the time.
This unplanned interval of life allowed me to focus on moments I might have otherwise missed. I deepened my bonds with my coworkers at Scarborough, spent quality time with my family, had the privilege of escorting my best friend at her senior homecoming, getting baptized at my home church, and witnessed the special wedding ceremony of my uncle and new aunt. In my eagerness to leave, I had overlooked the richness of the life happening right around me, and I’m so grateful to have been present for it all.
By late October, I finally began my travels and settled into the rhythm of my internship, carrying with me the lessons I’d learned during this unexpected chapter.
There is such a world fileld with so many incredible things
The wait was so worth it—every single second. This place, the people, the food, the culture, and the breathtaking scenery feel like they were handcrafted by God Himself.
Being in Malta has been nothing short of extraordinary. I've met incredible people from all corners of the world—Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, and so many places in between. These connections have turned into new friendships, and each one has given me a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this world.
Let’s talk about my personal “Spotify Wrapped” for this year: Pawlu and Peace.
Pawlu and peace
One evening, I found myself sitting at the kitchen counter of my homestay, chatting with my “host mother,” Kathy. We started with light conversation—talking about the history of the house, its layout, and the surrounding area. But then Kathy shared a story that gave the house a whole new meaning for me.
She began by explaining the tradition in Malta where homes are given family names, often after someone who lived there in the past. These names are proudly displayed on the front of the house or door. Our house is called “Pawlu,” named after a man who lived there many years ago.
Kathy then told me about her early days in the house. She discussed hearing soft, unexplained noises. Curious and a little unnerved, she mentioned it to Marie, the current owner of the house. Marie simply said, “Ah, don’t worry, Kathy—it’s just Pawlu. He’s friendly.”
Intrigued but still a little uneasy, Kathy asked for more details. Marie explained that Pawlu had been a kind, gentle man with a good soul. He had lovingly renovated the home, turning it into what it is today. He eventually passed away in the house, specifically, in what is now my bedroom. Even in spirit, Pawlu remains true to his character, a peaceful, friendly, and quiet presence that brings comfort to those who stay here.
At first, I couldn’t help but feel a bit spooked and scared by the story. But Kathy explained more and left a deep impression on me. She explained, “Both Pawlu and Marie have a gift for sensing people’s energy. Because they carry such peaceful souls, this house seems to attract guests who are carrying burdens—whether emotional struggles, tough times, or just the weight of life on their shoulders. But here’s the big part- everyone who leaves this house departs with a sense of peace.”
Kathy continued, “This house has a way of calming people. Whenever you feel scared or overwhelmed after a hard day, just say, ‘Hello, Pawlu,’ and you’ll feel that peace wash over you.”
Hearing this, I felt a shift in how I viewed the house—and even my own place within it. It wasn’t just a home; it was a calling, a space filled with kindness and peace.
wrap up
You might be wondering, “What does this have to do with your year in review?” The truth is, this story summarizes my year. On this December day, I find myself at peace. I’m standing in a place I prayed so long to be, surrounded by blessings I don’t take for granted—my family is near, my friends are incredible, my health is strong, and my heart is filled with gratitude.
I wholeheartedly believe that everything happens for a reason. Hearing Pawlu’s story only deepened that belief. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I stumbled across Pawlu’s house on Bookings.com while planning my trip to Malta. I was meant to be here.
Being here feels purposeful. It reminds me that I have a mission to fulfill, an adventure to live out, and a story to carry forward. This year has been about more than just getting to where I am, it’s been about finding peace, embracing the journey, and trusting in the reasons that brought me here.
As I move forward through the rest of the year and into the upcoming seasons, I carry peace with me every step of the way.
Here’s to 2025!
