I love college. I am so content with where I am, physically and theoretically. My three short years at Temple University so far have been nothing short of amazing. My sorority, my friends and my academic career are all I could've asked for and more. Yet I feel as if something's been missing. I wish I had studied abroad.

Coming into my freshman year, I knew right away I wanted to go abroad. I went to all of the study abroad fairs and events, and starting looking at programs and application requirements. But I was scared, and that fear kept me from ever applying to go abroad. I'm not sure what exactly that fear was. Maybe a mix of things? Fear of homesickness, fear of something happening at home while I was gone and the fear of just leaving my comfort zone really frightened me. Because of those fears, I missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I see a lot of my sorority sisters and friends and classmates having the times of their lives in Europe right now, and a huge part of me is upset with the fact that I never conquered those fears. When again will I have an opportunity to live in another country for months, becoming immersed in culture and history and vibrant life? When will I get to have the opportunity to intern with a company abroad and learn the industry from an outside perspective? Probably never, and that kind of kills me.

I know that I should've just taken the jump, and I'll forever be kicking myself for not doing so. College is the time when students should try new adventures and take leaps of faith, and these opportunities are so easily given to us. I'm sure that the people I am so envious of right now had the same exact fears and apprehensions that ultimately kept me from going abroad, but they overcame them. And while I know that they must have had their struggles, I've never heard anyone say they've ever regretted studying abroad.

According to GoOverseas.com, only 2 percent of college students study abroad. This number is so low due to fears like the ones I had. Fears of financial and time commitments play a huge factor for a lot of students as well.

All I can say is that even if you have the minutest fear of going abroad, try your best to move past it before your opportunity passes. Speak about those fears and concerns with an adviser, or with a friend or classmate whose gone abroad. Talk it over seriously with your family and loved ones. I'm sure your mind will be changed by the end of those conversations.

Take it from someone who watched her opportunities pass: Just go, and have all the fun I wish I'd had.