Currently I am 96 days abroad deep, with only 14 days left until my return. Most often, as students we are encouraged to study abroad. For as far back as I can recall in my twenty years, the dream of travelling the world has always been bookmarked in my subconscious. It sounds so simple to travel the world; all you have to do is hop on a plane right?
It seems so easy to drop everything you have already established in your life. As a junior in college, I can say I feel sufficed in what I have come to know through my education, through my social environments, and relationships. I love my school, I love my friends, and I loved where I was in life pre my semester abroad.
It sounds easier to do something than to actually follow through with it. Studying abroad creates more than memories and new experiences it gives you a revolutionary road, it gives you courage, it makes you brave, it acknowledges all you know in life and defies you to reset your boundaries and perceptions. Without a doubt I was nervous to leave what I knew as would every individual.
I can recall a specific moment in which I thought twice about studying abroad. As the tragic incident happened in Paris this past fall, our world was struck with tragedy and awareness. I was cautioned, begged even not go by my parents.
With this occurrence, it gave me valid reason to not go abroad but to continue on with how I was living my life. Although I hate to admit it, I was content. I was content with putting my dreams on hold for the sole reason of settling, because it would give me an opportunity to not drop everything and leave but instead lead my life as I was living it.
I would not have heads turned at me because it was a credible reason not to go, I would just go in the summer. I wouldn’t have to be gone for a whole four months. Something about this was tempting.
Who would ever dare to put their dreams on hold because they were happy with what they had? Although it does not seem outrageous it is. I look back on that day and thank myself for somehow pushing through and struggling to walk away from what I knew.
Several thoughts painted my mind: excuses not to go, potential risks, would my anxiety get the best of me, I'll run out of money, will I have to take out a loan, etc.
Almost five months later, here I am reflecting on the best time of my life. I never regret my decision to explore and journey on this adventure of a lifetime.
I have learned to explore the depths of my independence. I have learned to redraw and redefine my boundaries of moral aptitudes and revaluate the measures of the simplistic ways of life.
The more I become familiar with being abroad, the more my appreciation grows. Never in my life have I admired the history, background, and architecture of a place. The stories the walls of the cities and countries tells are endless and share lessons meant to be learned by all individuals.
They have taught me to explore new ways regardless if I know the direction I am going. They have encouraged me to walk a little further just because where else do I have to be? What better opportunity will I have to do this again in my lifetime? It may come again but perhaps it won’t.
With the space and time expanding between what I know and what I have to learn, I now acknowledge the importance of the relationships I have in my life. Time and distance are often the true test of any relationship, romantic or friendly.
As my adventure continues I have become more aware of who matters, what matters, and why. I have gained a newfound appreciation and respect for those who I have temporarily left.
Most importantly, I have learned to do what makes me happy. If I want gelato, I go get gelato and it is damn well worth the 2.50 Euro. Shoutout to La Strega Nocciola!!!!! Trust me, I have definitely gained a few pounds, but honestly it's worth it.
Dare to discover a whole new way of life, and perhaps go abroad.
