It's been 10 months since I returned home from my time abroad and I still can't shake the feeling of living in the UK for a semester. I'll have days where I'm happy to be back in the states and I'm happy to return to "everyday life" but the more I think about it the more I realize that I'm in a state of contentment. Life is good, I have amazing friends and family and I go to a great school I couldn't ask for more! The fact of the matter is that when I left the states, something started to change, I started to learn things about myself that I didn't even know existed. Now, of course, traveling to a foreign country by yourself and not knowing anyone will put you out of your comfort zone and force you to adapt, but I never felt forced in this adaptation. I distinctly remember the first morning I woke up in my warm dorm room in Bristol, England. I had a feeling of excitement and hope. It sounds crazy but I felt like I belonged and I was exactly where I was supposed to be. From that day forward I began to integrate myself into the Bristol lifestyle and really take in the simple and beautiful things that surrounded me. I began to explore the city, try new foods, and drink way too much tea. These three choices I made are what I believe changed me, these three choices helped me grow and find myself in a place I never expected to be but always hoped I would.

I remember the first time I ventured into the city with my friend, Jasmine. She was someone that I didn't expect to become so close to. We literally did everything together, especially eat! Jasmine kept me grounded but also pushed me and encouraged me constantly. It was nice to have someone around you who wanted just as much adventure, if not more! We took on the city together scouring every alley and corner of Bristol trying to find new pubs, shops, and clubs to add to our list of places to visit. It was in these moments with Jasmine that I think we both grew and became more confident in ourselves, even though we got lost and took the longest way home possible every time we ventured out. This was when I first started to notice a difference in myself: A new self-confidence and happiness that never left me while I lived in Bristol.

Trying new things was never really my forte. I loved being comfortable and staying in my little cocoon of safety but my flatmates wouldn't have that. I wish I could explain all the laughter, joy, and tears that I experienced with all five of my flatmates. It was with them that I had my first curry, which is now one of my favorite foods; and it was with them that I watched weird indie movies and sat on a curb for hours crying and talking about life at 3 AM on the way home from a night out. Each flatmate was beautifully unique. Each one taught me and showed me something about myself that I didn't even know existed; and for that I'm truly grateful.

Tea, as silly as it seems, was the most life changing drink I ever had. Who knew that one teacup full of sweet liquid could give you so much. It was over cups of tea and biscuits that some of my most meaningful and genuine friendships were made. Tea was a time to confide in each other and laugh until your ribs were sore. It was these moments that I cherish the most, the chance to be completely honest with people who truly cared and wanted what's best for you. It was through just a simple routine that I saw all the potential that was out there for me, it was through all my experiences that I began to see who I was and it was through my most cherished friends that showed me what they already saw.

I could go on and on about how my time abroad changed me but I didn't truly understand it until I met with one of my dear friends when I returned home. As I was explaining to him all my memories and new fears that I had upon returning he just looked at me and told me: that's the point. The reason I was afraid of falling back into "everyday life" was because I wasn't meant to fall back into it. He continued to explain that this life back in my little hometown of Murfreesboro had already given me all that I needed to grow and that my time in England was just the next chapter of my life. He told me there were many many more exciting new chapters ahead to teach me and mold me into the best version of myself. It was then when I finally realized that a life of contentment isn't what I wanted, I didn't want to feel comfortable. I wanted to experience raw and authentic relationships and life moments. It's crazy how just 4 months can change your life and teach you so much. What I'm trying to get at is: Go!! Go explore, go make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I urge you step out of the static life of certainty and immerse yourself in the unknown. I'm glad I took that chance because if I had never taken that step I don't think I would have ever seen anything in myself that I see now.