Prepare For Takeoff. |
Packing aside, I was very nervous the week before leaving for the trip. Having never been out of the country or even on an airplane, I was about to jump into a whole world of unknown experiences. I was worried that the trip would not meet my expectations or that it wasn't going to be worth all of the effort I had put in to go. This of course was just anxiety, not my true feelings towards the upcoming experience, but it got a bit overwhelming thinking about all of the firsts I was about to tackle.
For future students who might find their excitement overshadowed by anxiety, I would recommend focusing on the aspects which led you to apply for your abroad program in the first place. What got you excited to go? What are you looking forward to the most? What are you hoping to learn? I had to keep reminding myself of my expectations for the trip-the cultural exposure, the opportunity to learn in a wildly diverse ecosystem, the food! I had a very supportive network of people who also helped to remind me of why I got involved in study abroad. They provided the encouragement I needed to keep on top of packing and prepping. One thing I kept reminding myself whenever I started to doubt the trip was how disappointed in myself I would be if I backed out. If I let my nervousness stop me from going, I knew I would be kicking myself after graduation for years. Saving myself from future regret may not sound like the most positive means of motivation, but you have to use what works for you. Packing finished and mindset focused, I was ready to start my adventure. |