This week, or the week before by the time that you’re reading this, I am starting an adventure and to say that I am stressed out is an understatement. For the last couple of days before my departure for this adventure, I have been stressing and fearing the worst when I’m on said adventure or when I ‘m away from home. Questions have popped into my head such as what if something happens when I’m away from home or what if the people I meet don’t like me?

I’m nervous and scared and maybe, by the time this article comes out, I won’t be as scared or as nervous anymore. However, at the current moment, I am picking my nails down to stubs, checking and rechecking my bags and saying that I’m scared every couple of hours just to reiterate what I am actually feeling.

Some of my thoughts and fears are perfectly normal for my situation, going eight hours away from home for four months for the first time in your life is no easy feat. Then some of my wilder and scarier thoughts is just my brain being a complete and utter troll to me.Gotta love anxiety, don’t you?

Despite my racing thoughts and fears, my family and friends have been nothing but supportive of my new adventure. My parents and sisters have told me over and over again that I will be fine while there and that I have nothing to worry about. My sister has done a thing like this before and is doing it again this summer. She has been a great help in terms of packing and emotional support even if she claims that she has to get “all of her teasing out” before I leave. My parents are happy for me and they have been just as big of a help even though they are as stressed as I am trying to help me get ready.

Other members of my family have helped me through the nerves as well and have constantly reminded me that everyone has to go through a big change at some point in their lives. My Oma reminded me of her journey where she came from Europe by herself at the age of 19 without knowing a single word of English. She was alone when she got to America where as I will have all the help in the world. Her stories and more keep me going.

My friends have been helpful although a bit sad that I am leaving for the whole summer. We tried to hang out as much as we could in the past two weeks to make new memories and to savor the last bit of time that we have with each other. They have been helpful and supportive as well.

So, I have a lot going for me and a lot of support from all sides. There’s really no need for me to worry about anything huge because if it comes to pass, I know that I will have a loving and caring support system to back me up.

Their support means the world to me and though I really have no need to worry, I’m still anxious. Even as I’m writing this out, I can feel as my heart practically beats through my chest and as my mind is racing a million miles an hour.

However, I know that I will be fine and that these feelings will pass. They always do.