I still remember the first plane ride I took overseas. I was a bubbly and expectant teenager and the nine-hour flight had rendered me deliriously excited.

I started crying before we landed in Copenhagen, Denmark from a combination of sleep deprivation and love for my ancestral homeland. I was so so happy.

That summer, traveling through Scandinavia and Ireland, I became more of who I am, I'm sure of it.

This summer, I'm headed back. This time with my best friend in tow again, but we're on our own for most of it.

We're planning on traveling all over Europe and having a great time of it. Growing, and learning, and enjoying ourselves.

I'm overjoyed to be able to spend another European summer growing and loving.

I'm sure I'll again come back more of me having seen the other side of the world.