As I approach the last couple of weeks before I finally get to study abroad in Florence, Italy next semester, I’m beginning to realize the amount of emotions and experiences I have been going through leading up to now. While I thought I was being crazy and that this was all because I’m about to leave the United States for the first time ever (yes, I know, it’s been over two decades and I haven’t left America yet), people have assured me that all of these experiences are normal and it happens to everyone.       

1. Complete and utter excitement 

2. Thinking, "Holy sh*t, there's so much to get done" and stressing out because apparently, it all needs to be done now. But in reality, you just need to calm down and get the important sh*t together (like your Visa application)

3. Perfecting the “abroad” Pinterest board 

4. Stressing out about every little detail, all the clothes you need, booking trips and SO MUCH MORE!

5. But then realizing you can calm down, should maybe wait to buy some clothes there, and book your trips later.

6. However, you then get asked about every aspect of your trip by every person you know. 

7. Because of all the questions, it makes you go back to stressing out about everything you need to know for next semester. 

8. And then you realize that you actually are not prepared ... AT ALL.

9. So naturally, some nerves set in (the good kind though). 

10. But in the end, it all leads back to being excited to embark on the best semester you will ever have …