Dear Mom,

I hate to admit it but I’m scared too. Unfamiliar faces and even more unfamiliar places are all that I'm surrounded by. I can barely hold a conversation with the barista while ordering my daily cappuccino, but all the while I'm learning. If you want my full honesty, of course there are times I want to break down and fly right home back to you, but I’d rather not make you worried. Truthfully, there’s not a second that goes by that I wish you could be here experiencing this with me.

I feel like I owe you a big thank you. Not just for all your support to let me embark on this new journey, but for letting me spread my wings further than you knew I could. A thank you for watching your baby girl travel by herself to a new country and still remain supportive. A thank you for being there at all hours of the day to text me back because I just couldn’t wait to share my new memory with you.

From horrible wifi connection to different time zones, our normal everyday conversations have subsided. Although I'm sure you’re aware that they still remain my type priority, here’s a reminder. I’m hoping that you’ll forgive me when I bring home plenty of Italian wine as a celebration of no longer being separated by two different continents.

One thing I want you to remember is not to worry. Well, of course I know you're rolling your eyes at that wondering how I'd ever expect you not to worry, but you can be reassured that everything you’ve ever taught me I'm following now more than ever. No going anywhere with strangers, eating my veggies (if tomato sauce on pizza counts), and being my best self always. Most importantly, please remember that I’m using every ounce of courage that you’ve given me throughout my adventure.

The adventures and experiences I’m about to get myself into are going to end up being some of the greatest times of my life. So thank you mom, for preparing me for this journey and an even bigger thank you for letting me fly.