Hi friends! I’m currently at home in Ellicott City, Maryland and reflecting on what is about to be quite probably the craziest journey of my life. In just four short days, I will be boarding a plane to Copenhagen, Denmark to spend the next six months of my life there. I am feeling all kinds of emotions: nervous, terrified, and anxious, but also excited and ready for this new journey to start. I’ve always found something so special and refreshing at the thought of a clean slate, and this is one new beginning that I have never experienced before– new place, new people, new culture; all while leaving all of the old and everything I have come to know behind. Despite the blinding panic I’ve had this past week (what will I eat? how am I supposed to make it to an 8AM finance class on time? oh my god, this was a horrible idea I’m just going to sit in my room and never come out again), I know deep down that this is going to be such a good experience for me not only academically, but personally. During these next six months away, there are a few goals that I hope to accomplish, and I’m hoping that by putting them in writing I will maybe be motivated to make them a reality. So, here it goes:

1. Make new friends: I’ve never been the best at putting myself out there in unfamiliar social situations, but I’m hoping to push myself out of my comfort zone and ummm do something besides sit in my room alone all day
2. Visit (at least) five new countries: By some miracle, I’ve managed to have all of my Fridays off and a three week spring break. I want to travel to new places and experience different cultures to expand my world view. There are so many beautiful places I’ve been dreaming about, and the fact that I will finally be able to see them in person makes me excited beyond words!
3. “Just Do It”: Although those of you who know me know that I am not at all athletic, Nike’s signature phrase is a motto that we can all take into our own lives. Instead of hesitating or being nervous at new experiences, I want to just do it and look back on this experience with no regrets.

Thank you for reading this post, and thank you for following along with me on this brand new experience. I have no idea what it will hold, but I can’t wait to see where it takes me.