I studied abroad in Barcelona during the spring of 2015 and for the past year all I've thought about was returning. My four months in Europe changed me for the better, it made me more aware of my surroundings as well as who I am as a person. Since the day I left, I haven't stopped thinking about what it will be like to finally land at the airport, walk outside and be back in my favorite place in the world.

Unfortunately, countless terrorist attacks have occurred worldwide in the recent months. Attacks on the Ivory Coast, Paris, Brussels, Baghdad, Pakistan and more have changed the lives of so many. Lives have been taken, friends have been lost and hope has been shaken.

The world has become scarier than we've seen it before, but that doesn't make me want to see more of it any less. Despite recent terrorist attacks around the world, I still plan on traveling to Europe this summer.

While I was abroad, I had the opportunity to explore the city I lived in as well as other countries in Europe. I traveled with friends I met from the U.S. and even got to road trip through Italy when my parents and brother came to visit, which is something I'll never forget. My mom had never left the country prior to this trip and it was so exciting to show her around Barcelona and be able to visit Italy with her for the first time.

I think one of my favorite parts about studying abroad really was the friends I made. I met people from all over the U.S. and others from countless other countries. In all reality, I felt at home while I was there mostly because of the people I met. I was surprised at how safe I felt while there the entire time--I barely ever felt threatened.

I will not let the actions of others change my plans. I love traveling and seeing new places as well as visiting the places I've already been. When May comes along, I will be stepping foot on a plane, flying over the Atlantic and experiencing life the way I want to.

I'm aware of the risk I'm taking by going there at this time but there's a risk in just about everything we do. We take a risk when we drive, we take a risk when we cross the street. I will absolutely be taking every precaution possible as I leave for my next adventure come May, but I plan on living my life to the absolute fullest and the way I choose to live involves seeing more of the beautiful world we live in.