Studying abroad was an adventure and a half: Living, working, and learning in a foreign city– that eventually became a home–, travelling all over Europe carrying only a Pink duffel bag, and the minimal knowledge of myself and my American roommates– sometimes we did well, other times we ended up sleeping in a McDonald’s in the middle of Budapest–, and of course the wonders of European food, drink, and men (sorry mom, make sure dad doesn’t read this part).
My favorite part of the entire experience, however, does not have to do with my favorite city, food, view, or place to drink wine (Piazzale Michaelangelo, in Florence, if you ask): It has to do with me.
I’ve always been a person who likes adventure– I’ll climb the mountain, ride the roller coaster, and of course, get up and dance. However, school, work, and life all have a tendency to get in the way sometimes, and those adventures seem to come few and far between.
That is what changed when I studied in London.
During this time period, I felt more like an adult than ever before: Working four days a week, taking four classes, and also, being responsible for my own health and well-being; I knew, though, that this unbelievable chapter in my life was limited, and I made sure to take advantage of every second.
There was always somewhere new to discover, and a new adventure to be had: I made sure to never spend the whole day in my flat.
I would get on the Tube whenever I had a chance, and just see where it took me. Staying safe, of course, I would get off on a stop where I hadn’t been before, and just explore the new scenery around me. Even when doing something simple, like walking through a park, a new person would always appear to have a conversation with, or I would discover a site that held so much history, or, one time, I saw a group of people going full-on-Snow-White, having birds in a nearby tree fly gently into their hands (literally, and I don’t know how, or why).
One night, my roommates and I were taking an evening walk in Budapest (the night before we ended up in a McDonald’s), when we saw the glowing top of Buda Castle and wondered if it was possible for us to climb up.
“Why not try?” we decided.
The hike we anticipated turned out to be unexpectedly guided with escalators and elevators, leading to the top level: When that last elevator opened, I discovered the most incredible view I had ever seen. Budapest at night: I highly recommend it.
I’m forever grateful we made that decision to see what would happen if we just tried, and countless other moments during my time abroad that were founded because of that mindset: Going to Scotland by myself for a day, scaling the 02 Arena, singing on the steps of Sacré Coeur in Paris, or laying down in the middle of the busy Abbey Road crosswalk, to make sure I got the picture I wanted (I did).
Now, I’m back at my suburban college in New Jersey, and no, it is not filled with European castles and city views; my Tinder matches have turned from dreamy British men to guys that, if I swipe right, I am certain I will have an awkward run-in with the following day. No, Lawrenceville is not London, but that does not mean that I should change the way I’ve been living my life, and neither should anybody else.
Take advantage of every day you have.
Never let that hunger for adventure and discovery cease.
Explore a new part of the town you’re currently in every week (It’s possible, I swear!)
Take a class that interests you, even if you have no other reason to then that alone.
Don’t be afraid to talk to that person you want to talk to, smile at a stranger, say what you really want to say in that class debate, wear that outfit, call that friend, dance on that table– always stop and smell the roses.
Why settle for mediocrity when there is so much beauty in this world, and so many exciting moments that are waiting for you to create them?
You never know what amazing memory will come from the decision to say–in the words of Hilary Duff– “Why not?”
But seriously, wherever you are reading this article, no matter how much of a normal day you are having, I hope you find some time to discover something new, and create an adventure for yourself– you never know where it may lead to (hopefully not a McDonald’s in Budapest, but, that’s also an experience in itself).
This day is yours.
