No Apologies For Studying Abroad | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyles

I Will Never Be Sorry For Studying Abroad, Despite Your Jealousy

Travel is never a matter of money, but more so a matter of courage.

Shaylie Woodford
Mar 19, 2019
University of North Dakota
155
I Will Never Be Sorry For Studying Abroad, Despite Your Jealousy
Photo by Slava Bowman on Unsplash

One thing that I have learned since being abroad is that I had to start living my life unapologetically for me. This meant that I would do the things that I wanted and when I wanted and I didn't owe anyone an explanation as to why I was doing what I'm doing or how I got to do the things that I do. I have learned that there are some things in life you should apologize for, but studying abroad is not one of them.

I am not sorry that my parents pushed me to study abroad so that I could gain confidence in myself. I am not sorry that my parents financially supported me the first month that I was abroad. I am not sorry that I travel somewhere new every week. I am not sorry that I am making my own dreams come true every day before my eyes. I am not sorry that I am living the life of my dreams. I am not sorry I am studying abroad on a scholarship. I am not sorry that my life is 'better' (your words, not mine) than yours. I am not sorry that I have been able to ride camels on the coast of Africa, scooter through Paris, and ride bikes through the countryside of Amsterdam. I am not sorry for anything.

I am not sorry for anything I am accomplishing abroad because everything I do abroad, I do for me. I do these things abroad to fill my tank of life, to cross things off of my bucket list, to make me happy. I live my life to make myself happy, now. And I am so sorry that you are struggling with watching my life my best life. I am sorry that you can't handle the thought of me thriving. I am sorry that you can't be supportive and that you let your jealousy take over and uproot our friendship.

There are some things that I will never have to apologize for doing in life and bettering myself by traveling isn't one of those things. Studying abroad has taught me things no textbook will ever be able to do. I have learned things that no teacher could ever teach me, that no mentor could ever prepare me for. I am learning every day, new things about me and I'm learning these things on my own, in a new country because you can't teach me anything about me. The only person who can teach me about me and my potential is me, and traveling the world allows me to do this. Everything I do abroad, I do selflessly and I wish you had the opportunity to do the same.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Swoon

To The Girls With "Daddy Issues," You Are Worthy Of The Love He Never Gave You

You are not alone.

6005
girl with a hat
Persnickety Prints on Unsplash

This is for the girls who have dealt with an emotionally, mentally, physically or verbally abusive father.

The ones who have grown up with a false lens of what love is and how relationships should be. The ones who have cried themselves to sleep wondering why he hurts you and your family so much. This is for all the girls who fall in love with broken boys that carry baggage bigger than their own, thinking it's their job to heal them because you watched your mother do the same.

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Entertainment

Why Blair Waldorf Is The Realest Bitch To Ever Live

XOXO, Gossip Girl.

Michigan State University
888
Blair Waldorf Quote
"DESTINY IS FOR LOSERS. IT'S JUST A STUPID EXCUSE TO WAIT FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN INSTEAD OF MAKING THEM HAPPEN." - BLAIR WALDORF.

The world stopped in 2012 when our beloved show "Gossip Girl" ended. For six straight years, we would all tune in every Monday at 9:00 p.m. to see Upper Eastside royalty in the form of a Burberry headband clad Blair Waldorf. Blair was the big sister that we all loved to hate. How could we ever forget the epic showdowns between her and her frenemy Serena Van Der Woodsen? Or the time she banished Georgina Sparks to a Christian summer camp? How about that time when she and her girls took down Bart Bass? Blair is life. She's taught us how to dress, how to be ambitious, and most importantly, how to throw the perfect shade.

Keep Reading...Show less
blair waldorf
Student Life

11 Moments Every College Freshman Has Experienced

Because we made it, and because high school seniors deserve to know what they're getting themselves into

Drexel University
304
too tired to care

We've all been there. From move-in day to the first finals week in college, your first term is an adventure from start to finish. In honor of college decisions coming out recently, I want to recap some of the most common experiences college freshmen experience.

1. The awkward hellos on move-in day.

Awkward Icarly GIFfrom Awkward GIFs

You're moving your stuff onto your floor, and you will encounter people you don't know yet in the hallway. They live on your floor, so you'll awkwardly smile and maybe introduce yourself. As you walk away, you will wonder if they will ever speak to you again, but don't worry, there's a good chance that you will make some great friends on your floor!

Keep Reading...Show less
freshman
Student Life

21 Things I've Learned About College Life

College is not what everyone expects it to be.

SUNY Plattsburgh
145
laptop
Unsplash

The college years are a time for personal growth and success. Everyone comes in with expectations about how their life is supposed to turn out and envision the future. We all freak out when things don't go exactly as planned or when our expectations are unmet. As time goes on, we realize that the uncertainty of college is what makes it great. Here are some helpful reminders about life in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
college life
Student Life

Top 10 Lessons I Learned My Freshman Year

The first year of college opens your eyes to so many new experiences.

Ripon College
45
johnson hall
Samantha Sigsworth

Recently I completed my freshman year of college, and boy, what an experience. It was a completely new learning environment and I can't believe how much I learned. In an effort to save time, here are the ten biggest lessons I learned from my first year of college.

1. Everyone is in the same boat

Meep Fishes GIFfrom Meep Fishes GIFs

For me, the scariest part of starting school was that I was alone, that I wouldn't be able to make any friends and that I would stick out. Despite being told time and time again that everyone had these same feelings, it didn't really click until the first day when I saw all the other freshman looking as uneasy and uncomfortable as me. Therefore, I cannot stress this enough, everyone is feeling as nervous as you.

Keep Reading...Show less
freshman year

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments