study abroad part 1: australian adventure. finding myself.

Brave. I have been called this particular word many times by friends and family in the last couple of months when they learn of my plans to endure the long flight to Australia in order to study abroad. Moving to Melbourne is particularly frightening because it is a city I have never been to and know no one. Additionally, I am the furthest that I have ever been from my family in my whole life and this will be the case for the five and a half months that I am abroad. The journey includes a six-hour flight to Los Angeles, an eleven-hour layover, a thirteen-hour flight to New Zealand accompanied by another two-hour layover, and a four-hour flight where I will finally land in Melbourne.

As I get older and become the person I want to be, I am learning more and more about myself. I have grown to analyze all of my decisions with greater attention to detail. This is due to the fact that the magnitude of my choices has grown with my age. Everything I do heavily impacts the trajectory of my future. I have found myself more than ever yearning to take risks and live a life that is worth living. 

On the other hand, there is more pressure than ever in society to fit in and be just like everyone else. I have come to the realization that my favorite characters in movies and shows are never those who do the exact same thing as everyone else. This has started with Ariel from The Little Mermaid and progressed to Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl. These characters push boundaries while forging their own path. My choice to start my journey in Australia is my chance to begin pushing boundaries. Being abroad will force me to appreciate more than ever what makes me different. The things that make me special will keep me grounded and will allow me to stay true to myself in an ever-changing environment.