As I write this, I am traveling to New York to fly from JFK to Ireland for the semester. Studying abroad is something I’ve wanted to do since I was 16 and started to make my college plans. Now, the time has finally come! This past week has been filled with high and low emotions. As excited and eager as I am, I am equally just as stressed and nervous about leaving home, my friends, family, and everything I know and love for this period of time. Here are some things I’ve kept reminding myself when the nerves kick in:
1. This is NOT Forever.
Although some days and weeks can feel longer than others, college semesters fly by. It’s mind boggling to me that after this semester, I will be halfway done with college. I feel like I just started! Therefore, while my time abroad is limited, I need to embrace and live in every moment. This is a once in a life time opportunity and it won’t last forever. Before I know it, I’ll be doing the reverse and on a flight back to the U.S., not wanting to leave. So, I need to remind myself to use my time wisely and make the most out of my experience.
2. I am NOT alone.
On paper, living in a new country for three months away from my loved ones and usual routine sounds a bit scary or strange. I can’t just text my girls for a nails and coffee run, go on errands with my mom when I need something, go to my favorite class at the gym when I need to reduce some stress or go on a dinner date at one of my favorite restaurants with my boyfriend. I am surrounded by all new places and faces. However, so is everyone else that is going on this trip. They are going through the same thing I am and probably have the same nerves and curiosity as I do. On the other hand, with the world we live in today, all the people I miss are just a simple FaceTime away. So, even though it may feel like it at times, I will never be alone.
3. I am very ~lucky~
How many people can say that when they were 19 or 20 years old, they got to live and go to school in the country of their ancestors (also in my specific case, I am going to my own school’s campus in Ireland) for three months and travel to and experience different parts of Europe? Answer: Not many. I am very fortunate to be in my shoes and to be able to embark on this journey. Although it may seem intimidating now, so many people would do anything to be in my shoes. So, I need to remind myself that this time is very unique and special, something I’ve dreamed about and wanted to for so long and may only get to do this one time.
As I mentioned before, THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY. Although this past week may have been filled with last minute nerves and worries, the next three months are going to be the stories that my future grandchildren will roll their eyes at and think “Oh God, not again” after hearing them 100 times. The pictures I take are going to fill my social media (sorry if it gets annoying), phone and physical frames and walls once I return home. And most importantly, the memories and friends I am going to make, are going to ones that I will never forget and constantly replay in my mind and hold close in my heart.