In the early 2000s, I learned everything in life from "Lizzie McGuire." I would sit in front of my TV, stunned that someone as perfectly awkward and relatable as Lizzie could exist. Though some of her fashion choices were over the top (the crimped hair and tendency to mix patterns), her cartoon conscience was undoubtedly the best teacher. Since the show ended, I still find Lizzie to be incredibly relatable, and as I get ready to spend a semester abroad, I was stunned at just how valuable her lessons can be. I recently watched "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," and since then much of my nervousness about going abroad has gone away. Thanks, Lizzie, for always finding ways to be relevant, and for making sure I'm ready to take on Europe.
1. Saying goodbye to your parents will be hard, but adventure is waiting for you!
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Leaving the comfort of your family and friends for four months brings so many mixed feelings. You're leaving everything familiar behind to go to a foreign country, where things probably aren't very familiar. The moment you actually have to say goodbye to your family seems terrifying, but like Lizzie showed us, it's a necessary step in the abroad process. After an emotional goodbye with her mom in the airport, Ethan reminds Lizzie that what awaits them is totally worth it!
2. "Promise me that when we're here we'll find adventures."
From the moment Lizzie stepped off the plane in Rome, she was set on finding adventure, and her energy is contagious. Lizzie didn't go to Rome with the hopes of finding fame -- she wanted a memorable trip with her best friend. Though I'm not expecting to perform at an Italian awards show, Lizzie has certainly inspired me to go find my own adventures while I'm abroad!
3. Take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way.
Anything is possible while you're abroad! Things that seem out of the ordinary when you're at home could be end up being completely life changing in a different country. Take chances! Lizzie snuck away from her entire school, gained international stardom, and was gifted huge wheels of cheese. It's not a bad deal.
4. Take risks. Lots of them!
After meeting Paolo, Lizzie pretends to be sick for the rest of her trip to go on crazy adventures around Italy with the Italian pop star. She gets a crazy make-over, almost gets Gordo kicked off the trip, and performs at an Italian awards show. Going abroad is all about stepping out of your comfort zone, and it's the tiniest risks that will have the biggest rewards. Like the song says, "Why not take a crazy chance?"
5. Stay true to your friends -- the ones you travel with, and the ones at home.
Spending four months in a foreign country is bound to change a person. Despite all the craziness and all the newness, it's important to remember that your friends, the ones you're with and the ones at home, will always have your back. Gordo defends and supports Lizzie through all of her crazy adventures-- even when she ditches him and almost gets him sent home. That kinda love is hard to find!
6. "The tide is high, but I'm holding on."
Through the stumbles and falls (both literal and figurative), things will always get better in time. Lizzie ruined her middle school graduation, and had that looming over her head as she went to Rome. Then she gained international stardom! No matter what ups and downs you come across in your travels, things can only stay bad for so long. Just ride out those difficult days-- you'll be glad that you did.
7. "This is what dreams are made of!"
How many people can say they've traveled the world while they're still in college? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Semesters fly by, and this one won't be any different. Soak up every minute and never take a second of it granted. Lizzie sure didn't. I can't stop following in her footsteps now.
