Flying Solo
Start writing a post
Adulting

Flying Solo

My first time traveling alone.

164
Flying Solo

Learning independence is one of the most difficult lessons growing up and everyone has their own significant milestones with that in their life. For some it may be ordering their own food for the first time or driving alone. But for me, it was flying alone. I've been on a plane more times than I can remember, but I always traveled with one or both of my parents. At least, until a few weeks ago, when I finally set out on my own adventure.

My parents dropped me off at the airport and said their goodbyes, and at that point it was difficult to tell who was more nervous, me or them. I've been 18 for a while now and it wasn't until that moment where I finally felt like an adult. After checking in, going through security, and sitting on the plane next to a stranger, I didn't find myself stressing out like I thought I would be. I was overcome with peace and confidence, proving to myself that I can handle being on my own.

When I landed in Boise, Idaho, I was somewhere I had never been, in a foreign environment, but I wasn't scared. I've been traveling my whole life and so I thought to myself, "What makes this any different?" I knew what to do, and I knew where to go, for it was all instinctual. I was off on my own, making my own decisions with no agenda, deciding everything in the moment. With the open landscape, the mountains, the fresh air, I was finally able to breath for what felt like the first time. Compared to the city I live in, this was a paradise. It was freeing.

It was a last minute trip, but I knew it was something I needed to do before I go off to college. I move in to my dorm in less than two weeks, and everyday I look back and remember how I felt in those moments out in the world by myself. Confident in my abilities to take care of myself and to make the right decisions. But confidence wasn't the only thing I gained, because for the first time in a long time, I felt alive in myself again. It's a surreal feeling that I was missing in my life and now one that I seek out in everything I do.

It's important to find that thing in life that lights your soul on fire. For me, it's traveling and new experiences. Even though it scares me, my desire to live is greater than my fear. So I urge everyone to find that feeling for themselves, for it's truly life changing.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39104
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

23618
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

949833
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

128015
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments