So the clock is counting down. In less than 5 hours, I’ll be boarding a plane to Athens, Greece to embark on my first out-of-country experience, and first ever time away from home and my family. I put off writing this first blog entry for weeks. Not out of dread or sheer procrastination, but because it honestly hadn’t become real to me until this moment the reality of leaving my country to study in one where I know very few people simultaneously leaving behind all my comforts and the normalcy of my everyday life. Today though, I’ve grasped that very fact.
The last few weeks have been a complete whirlwind. Shopping, VISA appointments, and all the last minute details that come with leaving the country for an extended period of time have all led up to this day. Now, with a mixture of excitement for the future, sadness at leaving my family and friends, and a rapidly ascending discomfort at my lack of familiarity with Greek customs, I’m finally ready to leave. One major source of comfort for me is that I’ll be sharing a room with my friend Sarah; knowing I’ll be with at least one person I’m familiar with has made me significantly less anxious about this entire process, particularly because we’ll also be flying out together today. I’ve seen Cast Away more times than I could possibly count (I’m slightly obsessed with movies) and have always had an incredible fear of plummeting to my death over some ocean, never to be found. For the time being though, I realize an optimistic attitude will probably work best for one 10 hour flight followed by another 3 just after. Thinking of the amazing beaches, architecture and the classes I’ve heard raved about are more at the forefront of my mind for the time being. I can’t wait to start classes, and be able to share all my experiences, both in and out of the classroom, with all of you!
