I had always wanted to travel abroad, but when my school offered a trip to Spain my freshman year of high school, I didn't think it was a possibility. My mom sat in the meeting with me and we both were challenged with whether or not we could make this a reality. We committed to the trip, both of us together shortly after and it begun a roller coaster of emotions and excitement. The next year flew by as we geared up for the trip little by little and the last few months of waiting seemed like forever. We were counting down the days, doing online research and gawking at the pictures of all the places on our itinerary.

When the day was finally here, we had to sit through first period of class which was unbearable. My two best friends and I wanted was to get out and start the trip already. We boarded the bus with our mounds of luggage and eventually we were boarding the British Airways flight to Barcelona, Spain.

When I arrived in the city that day, my life changed forever. I fell in love with a place I barely knew. I was immediately immersed in the culture and language and I don't think there is a better way to learn about a place than actually visiting. I sat with my mom in Gaudi's Parque Guell and saw the pictures in my Spanish textbook come alive. There were so many colors and there was an overwhelming sense of friendliness and sincerity that you can't find in the United States. I relived the Cheetah Girls walking through the streets of Barcelona with my best friends (which obviously you can't go there without doing). We traveled to Madrid and I got to experience the royal palace in Spain and learn about the Spanish monarchy and see the amazing architecture. And of course, you can't go to Spain without seeing the Plaza Del Toros where they famously fight the bulls.

If ever given the chance to go back to Spain, I would in a heartbeat. I'm sure I speak for the masses when I say that traveling abroad changes your life. It opens your eyes to so many new things and changes your perspective on life itself. If you ever get the amazing opportunity to travel abroad, don't pass it up.