Just as a short disclaimer, I didn't technically "study abroad," because I stayed in the United States. However, I did get to get out of my home town and travel across waters to Hawaii for a summer program through my university.
The last day of my journey, I woke up and instantly started crying. I'm not sure if I have ever been more upset about leaving a place and people. The whole summer leading up to my departure my anticipation was suppressed. It simply didn't seem like it was truly going to become a reality. I came with very little knowledge about the place I was traveling to. I had seen pictures, heard stories and read my itinerary. It all seemed wonderful on paper, but it was absolutely incomparable to the moment my plane actually hit the ground.
I teared up on that very first flight when we made it. I just want to establish the fact that I am not a particularly emotional individual, and I am not one to cry over just anything. This experience got the best of my heart strings, however. I didn't know why, but I felt like a force was telling me that there would be an incredible adventure ahead of me.
Every day felt like a dream. I would tell people back home or friends on their own worldly expeditions what was on my agenda for each day, and I would just laugh every time afterwards, because it sounded like I was pulling bullshit straight out of the air. But, the crazy thing was it wasn't made up. I really did all of those things. I really did see all of those amazing sights. And I really did encounter all of those influential people. I got to do things I never would have dreamed I would have had the opportunity to do this summer.
The people I got to take this trip with heavily impacted my life as well. When we arrived at our destination, we were practically 18 strangers. By the time that we were packing up to head home, we were best friends, brothers, sisters, future bridesmaids, couples, lovers, etc. Despite the fact at times we wanted to play survivor and kick each other off the island, it was mind-boggling how 18 people, in just a matter of 3 weeks, became so connected with one another.
I was lucky enough to have a professor administer our entire visit and orchestrate all of the lessons and activities. He and his wife were just a professor couple from my university that took another chance on a giant group of idiot college kids that didn't know what they were getting themselves into. My professor and his wife didn't know how much this trip helped to shape all of our lives in one way or another. Some will continue on with careers in the field of the course of study (in my case, marine biology). Others will do their part to incorporate the lessons learned in the duration of this trip into whatever job they ultimately pursue.
I am so grateful for my university for making these types of opportunities available to our student body. I can't thank my professor, his wife, and our teaching assistant enough for making the journey an educational, enjoyable and absolutely unforgettable one. Finally, my parents also deserve a huge thank you. Not every family has the means or frankly the care to give their child this kind of expedition.
I can honestly say that my 3 weeks "studying abroad" were some of the best weeks of my entire life. I learned so much and further ignited my passion for the career path I am pursing. I also got to further my appreciation for our amazing planet and more of its utmost beauty.
