I had every intention of writing a completely different article this week, but being that this is my final night in London, I felt like this was completely appropriate. Spending time abroad was the worst experience of my life... said no one ever! This experience has completely changed me and shaped my college experience in the best way; I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend my time abroad in a place like London. The best part? Without a doubt, going on this adventure completely on my own.

Making the decision to travel alone to London induced A LOT of anxiety. I tried to convince my parents to let me study with friends semesters earlier, and when that didn’t work out, I bit the bullet and accepted my fate. Who knew that this would end up being the best part of my time abroad? There are three main reasons why going abroad alone was the best decision I've ever made:

1. Meeting New People: Going abroad alone forces you to step out of your comfort zone and make friends with people from all over. I was lucky that I had a fairly easy time meeting people and making friends; I built bonds that will last a lifetime in just three short weeks! If I had studied abroad with friends from school, I know that I would not have grown as close as I did with the friends that I made.
2. Exploring New Places: Along with making friends from all over the globe came this exposure to new and exciting places! The best part of all the beautiful memories that I will take back to the states with me? The fact that I was brave enough to experience these things for myself, and by myself. My advice: don’t be afraid to try new places and new things, and don't be afraid to try them by yourself.
3. Gaining REAL Independence: The independence that I gained from my time abroad is priceless. As a girl from the suburbs who goes to a school only an hour from home, I feel like being in a big city, by myself, has really helped me grow into a woman. Without the comfort of my family, friends and familiar faces from home, I had to really make decisions on my own. Growing up and learning to stand on your own two feet is inevitable- everyone will eventually face these challenges; I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to learn how to do so in a foreign country!

I advise everyone to go abroad, and if the opportunity arises to travel alone, do it. Though it may seem scary to be miles from home, alone, the experience is incomparable to any that you will have! Plus, your friends will be waiting for you right when you land.