Traveling has never been something important to me until I spent a week in Peru with my classmates last spring. Since then, I want to “go everywhere and see everything.” My semester in London is the perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and have so many chances to try new things. I’ve never lived completely on my own before; outside of living at Rollins for the past two years, I had never lived anywhere except my small Northern town.
The past few days have been an absolute whirlwind preparing for this semester’s adventure. Packing, running last minute errands and trying to squeeze every ounce of fun into the last days of summer left me feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. As I sit in my hometown airport (seriously, there are only four gates), I’m overtaken by excitement, nerves, and everything in between as I have no idea what the next four months will bring.
I still don’t think the reality of leaving has hit me yet, that the next time I go to sleep will be in my new flat in London with three of my best friends. I’m so excited to be reunited with them after the summer and spend this semester together. It is so comforting having friends by my side when everything else seems to be changing. Having Audrey, Stephanie and Jess with me make me less afraid and more ready to take on new challenges. I’m so excited to move into my flat and explore my new neighborhood.
Goodbyes have never been my strong suit, and are usually something I avoid at all costs. Saying “see you later” to my family and close friends was far from easy. Despite the tears and sadness about not seeing them for four months, there were always butterflies in my stomach reminding me about the excitement of what was to come. That this “goodbye” was only so I could move onto something so new and exciting. The best part about your home is that it will always be there, something my mom reminds me of every time I head back to school for a new semester. My home in Traverse City, my home at Rollins, and my home country will always be just that: home. But how lucky am I that I get the opportunity to build a new home in London? Above all, I’m so very humbled and grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn things that extend far past the realm of the classroom.