"Why would you want to go to Europe when all of these terrorist attacks are going on?"

"Aren't you afraid of what could possibly happen?"

About two months ago, a couple of my closest friends and I decided to go to Europe together. There's no questionable reason behind it other than the fact that we all want to see different countries, learn about culture, and experience life outside of the United States.

To describe myself as feeling "excited" would be an understatement. I've always wanted to get out of the country and travel to see how the other side of the world is! When I started to tell some of my close family and friends this incredible news, I received a lot of mixed feelings towards the idea of traveling to these countries during such a questionable time.

Some of my family had said to me that this wasn't the best idea or time to travel outside of the United States for the first time especially since I'd be without my parents. Others tried to change my mind and warned me to be careful because of the recent shootings that have been happening.

Well, let me tell you something. I am not one to pass up an opportunity to travel all over Europe. If these terrorist encounters can happen in these countries, then who knows maybe tomorrow it could happen here on Long Island. I refuse to let myself live in fear. We are young now, and we have the freedom to venture off now that we may not have five or 10 years from now! In the midst of terrorism, I'm still going to Europe. I'm sorry but your opinions will not change my mind.

Let me ask you this question, since 9/11 have you been afraid to go into New York City? There's millions of people who have visited the Freedom Tower since then. You might be a little fearful going into the city because you never know what could happen, especially in one of the biggest cities in the world. That's how I feel about traveling to Europe.

Yes I'm slightly nervous, but no where near fearful. We shouldn't have to hide ourselves from doing something we dream of doing just because there's terrorism going on in the world. I'll never forget what my mother told me the night I came home and explained to her how I'm going. "I think that's an amazing opportunity and you shouldn't let this scare you. Do this now while you're able to have the chance."

So, on December 26, 2016 I will be leaving for almost three weeks to go out and explore Europe with three of my closest friends. I'm not letting the fear of possible terrorist attacks stand in the way of an amazing opportunity. I don't know if there will ever be another time I am able to visit Amsterdam, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, England, and France all in one visit! I am not letting others change my mind. We are young, and should be able to experience different things while we have the freedom to.

I'm not letting fear take over my opportunity.

I'm not letting others' opinions change my mind.

In the midst of terrorism, I'm still going to Europe.