Ever since I graduated high school, I knew one of the first things I wanted to do over the summer was study abroad. For the past few summers since freshman year of college, I have browsed the offered programs and classes offered through my university and nearby universities. There hasn't been a destination or course that hasn't interested me; however, I find myself wanting to travel on study abroad trips that require me to take courses I have already taken or am not required for my degree.

I have only had my passport for going on a year now, and I hope someday soon that I can travel and simultaneously take classes that are relevant to my area of studies. If cost and time were not a limiting factor, I would make a life out of roaming the world. Despite how terrifying it may sound, if there wasn't safety in numbers, I would enjoy it more if I traveled alone or with only a couple of people. From Ireland, to Italy, to Austria, a change of scenery outside of the states would be nice for a change. Who knows. Maybe even one day sooner than I think, I will have enough of funding on my own to travel just for the sole purpose of traveling.

I dream of keeping a travel journal where I can paste significant photos or trinkets from my stays abroad and write short recaps of my experiences there. I would love to see first hand and learn about other cultures. Like many experiences in young adulthood, I want more than anything to get out and have as much fun in adventure as I can before my body slows down. I want to grab my loved ones and friends by their hands and take them on trips with me. But wanderlust doesn't just stop at road trips. It goes overseas, into old buildings and structures you've never imagined before. It's with people who are important to you and it gives you opportunities to stand and observe in foreign territory.

Just the thought of trying to accomplish setting foot in so many places in my lifetime gives me a rush I can't explain. It's like trying to find where you really want to be instead of settling with somewhere close to where you grew up. Even if I don't end up settling in a place that I travel to, I can at least take home a little piece of each country. I live for mapping out my own footsteps, marking off another adventure on a long list.