When the chance to spend a semester away in Los Angeles was presented to me about a year ago, I wanted to do it more than anything in the world. However, I was scared. I thought that there was no way that I could leave my friends and family behind for four months, fly all the way across the country, and make new friends. My fears and insecurities got the best of me, so I decided not to go. Then a couple months later, my best friend convinced me that I needed to do it, no matter how scared or nervous I was. She told me that I would regret it for the rest of my life. And now that my time in LA is almost over, I realize just how right she was---and how much I would've hated myself if I would've missed out on this amazing opportunity.
My semester abroad has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me and has changed my life in so many ways:
1. I’ve learned to be a more outgoing person
I've never been terrible at making friends, but then again a lot of my friends are people that I've known since middle school. I was so afraid to put myself out there and show people the "real" me, but I realized that that was no way to live my life. I was forced to be outgoing and introduce myself, but the more I got used to it, the more I realized that it's okay to do so.
2. I've gotten to spend time with my nephew and his parents
Leaving my niece at home was the hardest thing, but being in LA gave me the opportunity to meet and spend time with my nephew that was adopted almost four years ago. The time I've shared with him has been my favorite part of being here.
3. I've become more confident with myself and my body
I've never been a confident person, but being surrounded by people who are so supportive and willing to help made me more confident in my skills and abilities. Losing weight while I've been here has also made me much more confident with my body.
4. I've finally found my passion that I want to turn into a career
I've wanted to be a casting director since I was sixteen years old. I never thought that I would find a way to pursue it, but my semester here has given me that opportunity. I got to cast my very first film and I realized that it's what I want to do for the rest of my life.
5. I've met some of my favorite celebrities
LA is the place that all the celebrities are, so I knew I was bound to see and possibly meet some. I got to go to Paley Fest and meet the cast of two of my favorite shows, "Empire" and "Scandal". Then my friends and I got to meet Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, and Max Greenfield from "New Girl". I still haven't wrapped my head around it and it's definitely been one of my favorite things about my time here.
6. I've become a more mature, adult-like person
Living on my own (with two other people) in a real apartment building has been quite an experience. I've had to buy my own groceries, cook my own food, clean all the time, etc. Being an adult isn't fun, but it's prepared me for my future. I've also become more mature mentally and have learned to handle situations maturely.
7. I've lost weight
This can probably fall under the confidence category, but losing weight has been a big deal for me. I walk all the time, considering LA traffic is terrible. Also, groceries are expensive so I only get a limited amount of food at the store. I still have a lot of work to do when I get home, but seeing the progress I made finally makes me feel like it's possible.
8. I've overcome my fears and realized that I can do anything I set my mind to
Just being here has taught me that I can do anything. While it took a couple pushes, those pushes were exactly what I needed to realize that fears are meant to be overcome---and they can be overcome.
9. I've learned to be own best friend
While I have made many friends here, I've learned that it's okay to have "me" time. It's okay to go for a walk by myself, go out to eat by myself, or just hang out in my room and catch up on my favorite shows. I don't constantly have to be surrounded by other people, which is something that I felt like I needed back at home.
10. I've made lifelong friends
Not only have my two roommates become two of my best friends, I have gotten so close with so many people in the program as well. Since most of them are staying in LA after the program is over, I know I will always have a couch to sleep on. The people in the program are also some of the most talented people I've ever met, so I know that I will be seeing/working with them again in the future. The people I've met have never failed to be there for me and make me grow as a person, and I am so lucky that I have met them.
If you've ever or are considering to spend a semester abroad (even though LA isn't really abroad), you should definitely do it. It will do so many things for you as a person and you will also meet some amazing people.
Studying abroad has changed my life and I have loved every single second of it .
