Last week was more than just a roller coaster. If you've been to a theme park recently, you'll recall the rides that are labeled as "giant drop" or "the plunge." These rides bring patrons all the way up in the sky and then at an unexpected moment, leave them screaming for the ride down.

Now I love an amusement park as much as the next person, but the metaphorical ride that was last week was pretty insane for me.

Next semester I am planning to study abroad. Per my school's process, I had to first be accepted by Carroll and then apply to the host school overseas. On Wednesday I received an acceptance letter from Carroll exclaiming that I was approved to study abroad and may now start the second application. Institutionally, I paged from one tab to the next and began my application for the school abroad. When I called their office to make sure I was doing something right. They were very helpful and towards the end of the conversation, the representative asked me,"Wait, when are you going?" And I replied "Spring 2017." Then, the admissions counselor said "You know the deadline is tomorrow right?"

Right then my heart stopped beating for a second. My stomach dropped like the amusement park ride. I was literally on a roller coaster on emotions. I had been so happy that I had gotten accepted, and yet my dream was blown away in a second. How was it possible that things can change so quickly?

And then I did something I shouldn't have. I lost faith. I let all my walls down. Worst of all, I let one moment of weakness fill my being with dread.

Then, a voice snapped me out of it.

Still on the other line of the phone, the study abroad admissions counselor (almost reading my mind) replied, "Don't freak out yet. Your school is affiliated with our program which means we have a lot of flexibility and can work with you on your application. "

After that statement, I breathed a sign of relief and finished the conversation with many words of gratitude.

When the conversation was over, I got to work. Even though I didn't need to, I filled out all of the study abroad paperwork that I could. The next morning I was tired but relieved to have gotten everything that I could turned in.

While this is a story about how circumstance can change in a minute, it is also a story about positivity. In the moment I was brought down from my emotional roller coaster, I shouldn't have panicked, letting my emotions get the best of me. What I should have done instead was be positive. I should have accepted the fact that there are some things out of my control and realized that those things are not my fault.

Positivity is a powerful influence. It can lift you higher than any amusement park ride could. But unlike that ride if we keep a positive spirit, we will not be brought down.