When I made the decision to study abroad the second semester of my junior year, words couldn't describe how excited I was. I was finally going to do something different. I could not wait to meet new people and experience an entirely new culture. The knowledge that I would be starting a whole new adventure the upcoming semester motivated me through all the annoying days in the library and the constant stress of school work and friends.
Now, after my deposit is submitted and my courses are chosen all I can think is, Why am I doing this? The fear of the unknown is finally setting in. After just saying goodbye to all my college friends to embark on winter break, the realization that I will be missing a whole semester of memories, laughter, and the company of people I love more than anything is hitting me. I will miss seeing all my senior friends graduate. I will miss all the funny stories and the inside jokes. But most of all I will miss the comfort of recognizing faces around campus and knowing I can always find someone to hang out with and talk to.
As I let myself go into complete panic mode about going abroad my mind is racing with everything that could possibly go wrong. What if I don't get along with my roommate? What if I make no friends and have to spend the entire semester wandering around a city alone? And then back to the same question, Why am I doing this? The constant cycle between excitement and complete doubt is never ending.
Studying abroad can be an exciting and scary decision, and that is okay. It is OK to have doubts, and it's OK to fear missing out on memories with your friends from school. You just have to come to the realization that although change can be frightening, sometimes you just have to deal with it. Throughout your life, there will be many occasions in which you are put into a position where you don't know anyone and are forced to figure out ways to make yourself comfortable. This could be a new job, moving to a different town, or even the feeling you get when you walk into a class in the beginning of a semester and don't recognize anyone.
Studying abroad is not only a once in a life time experience but also critical in helping shape a person's outlook on life and their adaptability to change. Change should not be looked at as something to be feared, but something to anticipate with an open mind and a positive attitude.
So to all my friends at school, don't be too bored while I'm gone.
