Last week, I started off on a new adventure. I began a four week journey of studying abroad on the other side of the country. I flew out for the second time ever in my life to Washington DC. The first time I flew, I flew internationally, this time I stayed stateside. Also, the first time I traveled I was wit my sister. She has flown before and in my eyes, she is an absolute pro. This was my second time traveling and my first time going about it all on my own. Here are thoughts I, an introvert, had while flying by myself; and the constant anxiety I experienced while doing so.
1. Why does the TSA seem so terrifying while behind the desk, but become more approachable when I see them with a penny board?
2. Is it necessary that I take off my shoes to go through security?
3.How much does security really protect us from?
4. Everyone is rushing around for no reason, drink some tea. Eat a cookie. Relax.
5. There should be more time between boarding groups to sit and settle rather than 150 people trying to get onto one aircraft simultaneously. Especially since the aisles are thinner than the average person walking through.
6. Dear Lord, let the person next to me not smell.
7. Let the person next to me not want to talk.
8. Let them sit silently.
9. Have them not get drunk on this flight.
10. Have this flight go by quickly.
11. Amen
12. Where is my luggage at now?
13. Flight went by quickly.
14. Now what do I do?
15. I guess I will just follow the crowd, they seem to know what to do.
16. Where the heck am I going?
17. Is this the right direction?
18. Probably not
19. Maybe I should ask someone?
20. I guess I'll ask.
21. Wait, that person was on my flight, maybe they know where to go?
22. I'll just try to follow the without seeming creepy.
23. I hope this isn't creepy.
24. Probably is.
25. Where is my....
26. LUGGAGE! Found it!
27. Now what?
28. Crap. Now what?
29. I have all this luggage, and I have no clue where I am going.
30. I'm calling my mom. She always knows what to do and where to go.
31. Hi, mom. It's me, yeah. I landed safely. No I did not die. Or crash. Or get murdered. Or get attacked. No. I am not at campus yet. I'm lost.
32. Yes, I understand I am an adult and I need to figure this out by myself. But do I have to?
33. Can that wait until my next trip?
34. Of course not. I'll still try.
35. Where am I supposed to go?
36. Thank you mom. For everything. You always seem to know what to do and when to do it.
37. Okay. I am getting in a taxi.
38. Soon I will be where I am supposed go and I will be settled.
