This is a picture I took while traveling back to the hotel from the Giant's Causeway, it captures the rolling hills, fields and the ocean.

Last week, I wrote about how traveling to Scotland and Ireland inspired me to reach my goals in a business aspect. This week, I will be explaining more of my personal experience on how traveling to Scotland and Ireland changed my life on a personal level. I learned more about myself than I expected. Parts of my personality were awakened, and I was suddenly defined by new goals. Here is my story.

I spent the course of nine days in Ireland and Scotland over this past year spring break, but it felt like a lifetime. I only knew one person who was going on the trip, and at that, we had not become friends yet. At first, I was scared I would be too introverted to let myself open up. Luckily, our group warmed up to each other in a few hours. I just seemed to fit in. I felt free to be myself when we arrived. All my stress just disappeared, and I wasn't me for a little while. I enjoyed feeling like I was somebody else. Like an adventurer waiting to discover a new land. This probably sounds corny, but it is all true. I felt like a completely different person and you know what? I liked the person I became while traveling. I was more independent and felt like an adult. I felt like I could do anything. I hiked my first mountain in Scotland. I saw sights that took my breath away. I kept pace with the business of the cities. I even worked out in the hotel gym surrounded by the Scottish Highlands for goodness sake! It was amazing. I felt new and refreshed.

Experiencing the culture and the city life was fantastic. Talking with locals and hearing all about the country was extremely informative on how the social life and the history of the country intertwine. I even got the chance to have conversations with some people from Italy and Albania; they told me their stories of why they were in the country and I told them mine. It was fun to swap experiences and reasons for traveling. The two gentlemen from Albania that I was talking to were the ones that gave me the idea to earn my masters abroad. They were in Ireland for just a semester abroad, but they said they really enjoyed it. Listening to authentic Irish and Scottish music was like no other.

Everybody was talking with everybody. Nobody was afraid of being ignored or put off; they just wanted to socialize with whoever was willing. People seemed to be more comfortable with themselves; they were not as self-conscience as many of us American's seem to be. That made me feel welcome like I wasn't a tourist. One of the best parts about the trip was going out and having a good time with the group. I discovered more of who I was meant to be when I let my guard down a bit.

I think everybody, young or old, should travel abroad at least once. Doors open and things you never knew you enjoyed are discovered. I love hiking which I may never have done if my roomie for the week hadn't suggested it. I love exploring landmarks and waltzing through museums. Being submerged in another culture was one of the most exhilarating experiences! Everything was like a breath of fresh air, I suddenly wanted more out of life right from the first moment I stepped foot off the airplane. I was so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to travel to the land I have been dreaming to see ever since I was a little kid. I would not be the same today if I hadn't gone. Traveling abroad made me more confident and goal driven. I want to have the best out of life. Traveling abroad opened my eyes to greater possibilities.

This is the beautiful view of the highlands from the hotel we stayed at in Glenco, Scotland.