I hate to give into the whole cliche that, "studying abroad totally changes you," but its 100% true. For six weeks this summer I will be living in London while taking classes through a local university and interning for a style consulting firm as part of my major. Currently, I am three weeks into the program and I still have to pinch myself at times to realize that I am actually here. For the first time in what feels like forever, I am happy.

Having the opportunity to study abroad has been a dream of mine since I started college, but it wasn't really a dream I saw becoming a reality because of how expensive it can be. I am extremely lucky to have the parents that I do because they truly surprised me this year with their dedication to bringing my dream to life. Not only have I felt extremely lucky, I am also proud. A year ago I wouldn't have believed you if you were to tell me that I would here in London today. I battle depression and anxiety, and more often than not, this illness has gotten the best of me.

This past year for me has been a true testament that what doesn't kill, only makes you stronger. I have had my fair share of shortcomings, and while most people come to college to find themselves, I could slowly feel myself slipping away. I would experience debilitating anxiety attacks that often led me to drop whatever it was that I was doing and unexpectedly drive home with no warning. In these moments I lost my sense of judgement and acted instinctively, even if my actions didn't make any sense.

Occurrences that should come naturally, like breathing, were conscious actions I would have to remind myself to take while my heart felt like it was racing a million miles an hour. I struggled with being an hour and half away from home because I was constantly afraid of another anxiety attack, and I would be lying if I said I didn't question whether or not I was ready to be 4,000 miles away from home as my trip to London approached.

Going back and forth in my head, I chose to remind myself that every time I went home I came back stronger, that even though I was afraid of another anxiety attack I got help so that I could learn how to cope, and that not going to London out of fear, would mean that I was letting this illness win. I am proud to say that while I am sitting here writing this article in my London flat, I can successfully say that there is no longer any anxiety, panic, or fear. Instead there is only a sense of accomplishment for overcoming what I thought I couldn't.

This trip has given me perspective, new friendships, and memories that will last me a lifetime. If you are someone who is struggling with anxiety, I urge you to push yourself because I'm speaking from experience when I say that you can handle more than you think. I know that there isn't a cure for anxiety and depression, that I will probably experience another attack in the future, and that there will be bad days for me ahead. But what keeps me going is knowing that with the bad days, there are even better days coming for me too.

I know now that sometimes you have to lose yourself to find where you're meant to be, and I am so incredibly thankful for the people who got me here.

My story isn't over yet.