I sogni si avverano. Dreams come true. Dream for it, work for it, and soon, you'll achieve it.

As a child, I was always taught to dream big. REALLY big. But, what did that actually mean? Growing up, I didn't come from a wealthy family; opportunities weren't handed to me on a silver platter. While other friends' dreams were to own mansions and become doctors, I had other plans. I remember the moment vividly: I was in third grade and my teacher asked me, "What do you want to do in the future?" My answer? "I want to make sure everybody is happy."

Sappy. I know.

For as long as I could remember, I had a passion for helping others in any way that I could. From volunteering in soup kitchens to working with expectant women, I have always tried to be involved in the community. Being a volunteer and serving others can be a rewarding and life-changing experience--if you do it for the right reasons. Oftentimes, I found myself helping others because I couldn't help myself; it became a sad reality. Slowly, I have learned that volunteering will not change the world as much as it will change you. For me, volunteering became a way for me to escape the dramas of everyday life. I was always the shy kid that kept to herself and never tried new things. Through volunteering, I have learned to step out of my comfort zone and interact with the world on a new level. I am better able to discover myself through helping others, and it has become such a rewarding journey

Next semester, I will be taking on new adventures and stepping out of my comfort zone even more. I have the privilege of studying abroad in Siena, Italy, and I couldn't be anymore thrilled!

PLOT TWIST.

The program isn't your regular study abroad program. It is a service-learning program that combines foreign studies with the opportunity to volunteer directly with the Italian community. Bringing my passion for serving others in a completely different culture is truly a dream come true. I will be working with individuals who have disabilities and individuals of immigrant status. Coming from a working class background, I never even thought studying abroad was in the books for me, but I am so grateful for the support I've gotten from my mother and faculty, who have found ways to make my dreams a reality.

The truth? I'm more scared than excited about this whole experience. I was never afforded the opportunity to travel overseas before, so this is all so new to me. However, it'll be good. For so long, I've let my crippling anxiety debilitate me from taking on new adventures. "Your 20s are your selfish years," right? While abroad, I hope to find myself, but that can't be done without the help of others. I can't wait to share my journey with you. It's not over yet.

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -Mahatma Gandhi