In the weeks leading up to my trip, people would say "You're going to France alone?" "You're not going to know anyone there?" "You'll be staying with strangers?"And so many other questions that I didn't have answers to. Some times they would put their hand on their chest and microscopically shake their head. Not in a bad way, but in a way that I knew they were concerned. I didn't realize what a big deal those issues were because I knew I would have the study abroad program and staff in Paris and I was hoping to make friends. I knew it was a very serious decision to go to Paris because it had been my biggest dream for the last 15 years and a lot of thought and work went into the trip.
But now looking back on it, I understand what those people meant. I was practically jumping out of a plane without a plan. And I loved it. When I first got back, telling people about my summer, I would get to hear myself tell the stories and relive them from an outside perspective. Some things I heard made me feel even more lucky to have experienced, and some made feel lucky to have made it through! After a few certain stories (like my exclusively-French-speaking French class or getting Scarlet Fever and honestly thinking I might die or the countless creepers in public), I would hear "Wow, I couldn't have done that." And after a while, I realized how dangerous it could have been and some times I think of what an idiot I was for not being more careful. I am so proud I did it! I wouldn't have changed anything, because I loved it, learned A LOT and I do have some good stories.
I know I am very blessed to be financially able to go places like Paris, but I also did not let fear get in my way. I think that fear is what holds some people back, not only from seeing the world, but also making their 15+ year old dreams come true, whatever they might be. Go, jump out of that plane. I made it and there is no better feeling. Not only did I live in a beautiful historical city for 2 months, met some great people and ate lots of delicious food, but I now know I can do just about anything.
But now looking back on it, I understand what those people meant. I was practically jumping out of a plane without a plan. And I loved it. When I first got back, telling people about my summer, I would get to hear myself tell the stories and relive them from an outside perspective. Some things I heard made me feel even more lucky to have experienced, and some made feel lucky to have made it through! After a few certain stories (like my exclusively-French-speaking French class or getting Scarlet Fever and honestly thinking I might die or the countless creepers in public), I would hear "Wow, I couldn't have done that." And after a while, I realized how dangerous it could have been and some times I think of what an idiot I was for not being more careful. I am so proud I did it! I wouldn't have changed anything, because I loved it, learned A LOT and I do have some good stories.
I know I am very blessed to be financially able to go places like Paris, but I also did not let fear get in my way. I think that fear is what holds some people back, not only from seeing the world, but also making their 15+ year old dreams come true, whatever they might be. Go, jump out of that plane. I made it and there is no better feeling. Not only did I live in a beautiful historical city for 2 months, met some great people and ate lots of delicious food, but I now know I can do just about anything.
I am excited to see where my future takes me! I know there are many more adventures to come, but for now I am going to reminisce about Paris.
Bisous!
