On May 9, I am leaving on a jet plane *cue Peter, Paul, and Mary" for the cradle of the Renaissance - Florence, Italy. You can imagine the gelato, pasta, artwork, scenery, and bucket lists that are currently flooding my Pinterest board.

Along with the ecstatic feelings of excitement and adventure, there are definitely a mixture of nerves as well. For one, I've never traveled internationally on my own - so fingers crossed I don't miss any of my connections, because I will be completely clueless in Paris. I also don't speak any Italian besides, like..."ciao."

Yes, you should be concerned for me.

There is a whirlwind of emotions pulsing through my veins as I prepare to leave home for 7 weeks, but the excitement throws all fear from my mind. Finally, I present to you the 5 stages of preparing to study abroad:

1. Disbelief.

Personally, I decided to apply to study abroad on a whim. I literally don't think I've processed the reality of it yet, which is...concerning.

2. Hype Mode.

Rather than focusing on the Chi-Square Test and VESPR Theory, you 100% zone out and daydream of the food, photos, and #culture to come.

3. Stress Mode.

Visas, and passports, and phone plans, oh my! Seriously - there are so many forms to fill out, meetings to attend, plans to make, and necessities to purchase that you barely have time to focus on the fact that you will be in another COUNTRY very soon.

4. Freak Out Mode.

This is the point at which it all starts to sink in, which can come with a lot of fear and anxiety! Hello, yes, I am in that stage as I am typing this. I feel you, Oprah & cat.

5. Back to Hype Mode.

I imagine that hype mode will be back as I find my seat on the plane and fully realize what I'm about to do...which is voyage onto a totally incredible adventure of a lifetime. I am so ready.