Being abroad has been one of the most thrilling and educational experiences of my life in more way than one.

Whether it's taking a paddle boat from Marina Grande, and enjoying the view of Sorrento and Pompeii from the water, or gallivanting around London, this trip has been nothing short of extraordinary. And while I'm not doing things, the mind continues to race.

Introspection is one of the best things for a person, and it has served me well throughout this trip. In my downtime, I've seen how I've changed since first stepping off of the plane in Naples four weeks ago.

Flexibility and adaptation are things that have changed and will change for those who go abroad. Everything won't always go your way (shout out to Naples airport for keeping us there for 4 extra hours with no flight!), people will not always adhere to the plan you wish to do, and the culture you're in will be 10 times different than what you are used to. Things like not eating dinner until sometimes 9 p.m., and not being able to get a grab and go coffee are things you simply have to work around.

But it really is about the people. You learn to be a little more open with those you're around for this short time frame. Kids you think you would have never met or been friends with become good ones, and the good ones you came in with become even closer friends.

Life is something that should be cherished and explored. Why sit at home when a new adventure is out there waiting for you? You never know what you're gonna miss or who you'll never meet. I'm glad I got over myself and took the plunge. Now I have less than a week left and I'm sitting here looking at flights to get back one day.

The plunge is worth it and I hope you take it.