By this time next week, I'll be in England taking in the culture and cursing the time difference. For the remaining days, I spend my time reflecting on the steps I took to bring me to this exciting new journey. It was a long process but, in the end, it was all worth it!
The Application
I started the study abroad process last June. Not even a week out of my Spring semester, I was on the phone with my school asking questions about what I could accomplish over the summer to make the process easier when I returned to school in the Fall. There were certain things I needed to wait to be on campus for; however, tasks like finding professors to write recommendation letters, writing my personal statement, and filling out my application papers I could do with just a computer.
So, I got it done. I didn't wait to do the easy stuff last and it made my life so much simpler since I had classes and other obligations taking up my time. Once I was back on campus and had the signatures I needed, I sent out my application forms.
The Waiting
Not gonna lie--when I was waiting for my acceptance letter there were moments when I tricked myself into believing I wasn't going to get into the program. As if that wasn't enough, I told myself that would be okay. If I didn't get it, I wouldn't miss out on any campus traditions or hanging out with my friends. I became content with not getting the acceptance to study abroad. I thought I made a huge mistake by applying, even though this is something I've dreamed of doing since I was in middle school. I continued to remind myself, "Let's just see what happens."
The Acceptance
It felt like a forever before I received my letter from the program in Bath, England. It assured me that, with a few more steps, I would be on my way to study Literature classes in England during my spring semester. My joy and excitement encouraged me to finish the semester strong. All the fear of missing out with events and friends on campus disappeared because I had the assurance that I would be traveling, exploring, and studying the subject I love!
More Waiting
Of course, that leads us to the present. The holidays are over, friends are back at school, and I'm here waiting for my adventure to start. I should be in my second week of school, but instead I keep myself busy by reading, writing, and packing. In the corner of my room, there's an open suitcase as a daily reminder that my packing isn't over. Little by little I will get it done. I try not to overthink about the upcoming months, but the anticipation leads to a flow of daydreams (some wanted, others not so much). However, this break has given me a chance to breath and also think about what I want out of this travel experience. I've come to the conclusion that I want to share this experience. I'd love to bring what I'm seeing and learning to an audience. So, I've decided to use my Odyssey platform to tell my study abroad story!
Stay tuned each week for updates on my experience of studying abroad in Bath, England!
