The idea of studying abroad was first brought to my attention when I was in the 8th grade. My older sister, Sarah, shared with my parents her desire to do so in London. She ended up spending a semester there. She would email and IM me stories about all her travels from internet cafes. I had no clue an internet cafe existed and this Europe place sounded really interesting. She returned home with a few great Christmas presents (a sweet scarf and my first piece of clothing from H&M), endless stories matching pictures, and a certain ambition that she didn't have before that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Whatever it was, I wanted it. I knew when I went to college, I would have to experience something like this.
I knew going to Ball State that I wanted to study abroad. Where and when? I had no idea. One day, early in the spring semester of my freshman year, I decided I wanted to be a part of Ball State's London Centre the next fall. It was the same program my sister went through so I was somewhat familiar with it. Also, a high school friend was going and I knew she wasn't completely crazy or anything. The idea of not really knowing anyone was also appealing to me. It was risky and I am naturally that way. I decided it would be a good time to go. I shared my interest with my parents complete with features and benefits, cost analysis, and some other information. My parents, being the awesome, wonderful, and supportive of anything I want to do great kind of people they are, said they would help figure out how to make this happen.
On Tuesday, September 9, 2008, I boarded a plane to London, England. I had packed my bags, leaving my hometown and everything I had ever known. I was thrown into a group of students that I had never met before. I had no clue what to expect. This was the greatest feeling I have every felt but I was definitely not ready for what I was getting myself into.
I quickly fell in love with the city of London. In my opinion, it is truly the greatest city in the world. There is so much new with the old all throughout the city. It is crammed with culture and great fashion. I could go on for days.... literally.
I was able to travel to Ireland, Italy, France, Greece, Egypt, and Turkey. I learned to adapt to the culture of every country and city I visited. I was forced to overcome language and cultural barriers and learn to communicate with locals. Mark Twain once said, " I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” I learned this to be a very accurate statement.
My trip overseas flipped my world. I went one person, came back another. That ambition I saw in my sister, I totally understood it. I had that feeling. It is a sense of wanting to see this incredible world God has given to us and knowing it is possible. As cliche as it sounds, I learned a lot about myself. Many of them being personality traits that are really obvious. I learned I ate really fast, I talk a lot, and I have a lot more energy than the normal person. I walked out with three of my best friends. Through those new friends, I have made other friendships that will last a lifetime. It is hard for me to believe my life before them. I missed my family tremendously and learned to enjoy their company even more than before. I am so grateful for the opportunity and that my parents believe in my interests.
Ever since I returned home, I've wanted to go back. My sister wrote me a letter before I took off. In the letter she warned me about how addictive traveling is. Boy was she right. The more you travel, the worse it gets. I have always said that I had more to take care of over in Europe. I had unfinished business (Get it?! The title of the blog!!) to deal with. I am the type of person that when there's something I want to do, I make it happen.
On Friday, September 3rd, I will be boarding another plane. This time it will be to Prague, Czech Republic. The trip is set up the same as the London trip, except this is the first time in Prague. I will get to go to all the countries and places I didn't get to visit last time. The best part about the trip is that I get to return to my homeland, London. The next best part is one of my best friends and roommate, Whitney (who I met on the London trip), will get to relive all this with me. I am so thankful for the places I have been, the people I have met along the way, the best family I could dream of, and the adventures ahead of me!
So thanks Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and Sarah for leading me into the greatest addiction I could ever get involved in.
