Let's do this

It's currently 1:15 am, I am leaving the country in approximately 13 hours, and instead of packing I have decided to create a blog. I am overwhelmed with emotions right now. I am nervous, excited, overwhelmed, scared, but more than anything I am ready to begin the best adventure of my life! Well, not exactly READY...

I find it extremely hard to believe that at this time tomorrow I will be somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. Things are beginning to sink in that this is real. This is really happening. I always dreamed of studying abroad when I was a little girl, but everything just seems so surreal now that it is actually here. My friends told me that I seemed quite today, but I think that is because I am starting to realize all the little things that I have taken for granted. However, as my mom always tells me, I should focus on the positives. I will be having the time of my life, immersed in a completely new culture, creating memories I will forever cherish.

The program that I am studying at recommends that we create a list of our goals for the semester. Here we go:

Goals
1. Make tons of new friends all across Europe.
2. Keep in touch with them. Find the pen pal that I have always wanted.
3. Do a good job of keeping in touch with my friends and family from home.
4. Always be aware of my surroundings. Essentially, not be a dumb American tourist.
5. Practice sociological mindfulness. I want to be able to acknowledge, and hopefully grasp, the roots of the social issues and trends of a different society.
6. Try a new food I would normally be disgusted by every week. Maybe I will finally develop a taste for seafood.
7. Remain open minded.
8. I think that my brother's girlfriend put it perfectly... "I want to spend every penny in my pocket and not regret it..."

I once read the statistic that only 5% of undergraduates study abroad. I have wanted study abroad since I was a little girl because it’s hard for me to understand the world without having experienced it.

Let's do this :)