Hey.

I have been waiting a long, long, l-o-n-g time for you to arrive. At one point in my decision making process regarding college and the four years of my life that encompassed, I was looking only for schools that hosted the best study abroad programs. You, almost single-handedly, chose my school for me. Look where we are now, three days out from departure and I could not be more excited. Two full years into my college experience and I finally get to do the one thing I have been anticipating more than anything else, and that is an incredible feeling.

But, semester abroad, you could not have done it by yourself. We could not have gotten to the point we are now, about to finally meet each other after so many years, without the help of some very special, very wonderful people.

My semester abroad would not be possible if it weren’t for the generosity of my loving parents. My parents who would do anything for me, with only minimal questioning, including allowing me to go explore the world nearly 6,000 miles away from home. My parents, who have endured years of senseless pestering from me about a lot of things, but mostly about where in the world I want to go and how I could logically get myself there. My parents are the backbone of the whole semester. Without them, I would probably still be pouring myself over travel brochures without ever actually going anywhere. Now, because of them, I am doing it and I know they will be there for me every step of the way. They, quite literally, are giving me the world.

I know some people may not understand why I am so excited. I mean, study abroad is, by definition, only a semester in a different country. When it’s up, I’m back to the day to day of on-campus college life for another year and a half. But, if used wisely, this one lousy semester could turn into a growing experience unlike any other. It is the opening of floodgates that will be hard to seal back up again and I am beyond exhilarated for that prospect.

So, semester abroad, it has been a journey to getting to this point and it will only get more invigorating from here. See you in three days. I’ll be ready.