by Afton Boles
It’s
been a long road that has lead me to where I am today. Although, that’s
basically the case for everyone, I guess. There are so many little
decisions I’ve made over the years that have all pointed me to
International Studies and studying abroad. Why do I want to do it? Gosh,
that is such a vague little question that is hard to answer. My first
thought is, “Because I want to.” I know that’s not really an answer,
though. So, I’m going to reference back to my cat-whispering days and
dreams of traveling the world. It just feels right. Somehow, I am so
absolutely certain I’m supposed to be doing this that it’s hard to
actually give a straight answer. It’s like trying to explain what love
is – such a simple concept that doesn’t quite have a definite
definition. That being said, there are still some nagging doubts. Not if
studying abroad is the right thing, but I worry about all the other
what-if’s.
I’m a little worried that I’m going to
be frustrated at my language skills, considering I’m going to be
completely and totally immersed in French culture. There’s the tiniest
fear that I’m not going to like it as much as I think I’m going to.
Overall, I think there is a healthy balance of fear and excitement
considering the amount of knowledge I have about where I’m going and
what I’m really getting myself into. I’m not going to lie; one of my
biggest anticipations is the food. Being very prone to an independent
attitude, I’m eager about genuinely being on my own and surprising
myself with just how much I can do. I’m even secretly hoping I get lost
just so I can find my own way. However, what I want most is to find some
gratification that I’m on the right path. I want more gut feelings that
this is IT; I want a deeper hunger for experiencing different cultures,
languages, and interaction with people than I have now. I want a sign
that what I’m slowly catching onto is my calling.
There are so many things I want to do
and only a short six-month period to do them in. While I’m aware that my
list of must-do activities will exponentially increase once I arrive in
France, there are a couple things on my bucket list that are definite
so far. 1) I have to see the Eiffel Tower. 2) I’m going to eat pizza in
Italy the first chance I get. 3) I want to make life-long friends from
at least 5 different countries. 4) I need TONS of pictures. 5) The blog
must go on. 6) If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you; I
will challenge myself every single day so I can make the most of my time
in France.
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