For as long as I can remember, it has been my life-long dream to study abroad. In high school, I longed for the day when I could pack up my things, board a plane and travel to a far-off destination with my university to study and strengthen my passion: writing. I always imagined myself walking around the city with my notepad and camera, photographing the famous sights and natural beauty of the city that had become my new home.

I had never thought that one day, studying abroad in a beautiful European country, that my life would be in imminent danger. I had never envisioned that Europe could be anything but wonderful, picture-perfect and glorious.

Although it saddens me to say this, the times have changed, they will continue to change and, as they change, so do my dreams and so does reality.

For the most part, I feel like millennial Americans see Europe as a utopia: great food, beautiful scenery and a significantly younger drinking age. Going abroad has always been a significant part of college life, and Europe has continually been the most popular destination, by a long-shot. Why wouldn't it be? Think of places like Paris – the Eiffel Tower is potentially the most iconic landmark in the world, all lit up with twinkling lights glimmering over the city. Just the thought of such a renowned romantic city can allow us to forget that Europe is a real place with real people, real struggles and very, very real terrorism.

European terrorism dates back decades, but as of the recent attacks in Belgium, since 2005, there have been 20 terrorist attacks all across the continent, leaving 299 dead.

Since the end of World War II, much of Europe has shifted to a more socialistic government, leading to severe economic weakness and lenient immigration policies, giving rise to widespread, high-risk terrorism. High taxes due to expanded government programs pay for things such as retirement, extensive healthcare and unemployment benefits, making Europe an enticing destination for immigrants. Between their open-door policy on immigration and a socialistic government that provides immigrants with government-paid subsidies, Europe becomes a prime target for terrorists, not to mention their historically weakened defense and military. With a lack of security and a plethora of consequences of socialism, Europe will continue to attract extremists who hope to wreak havoc on innocent civilians.

The most recent attacks in Brussels and Paris have opened my eyes to a side of the world I wish I had never seen. I wish that Europe was the way it used to be in my imagination: couples riding bikes on cobblestoned streets, people shouting in all sorts of languages weaving in and out of local markets, canal-side cafes where families munched on croissants.

But it isn't. Unfortunately, it never was, and it never will be.

There is no longer a perfect place, not even the ones I create in my mind. My plans to travel and study abroad are now put on hold. My plans to see the world are deterred.

I have faced a horrific, despairing wake-up call.

As the world continues to face violence from the inexplicable actions of extremists, I, along with many others, have to change my perception of not just Europe, but my perception of the entire world.