It was about a week before our flight when I was hit with the realization that I’d be living in Spain, with thirty peers that I had yet to meet, for five weeks. Although I had been going through the motions of signing contracts and completing health forms for this trip, it’s almost like the idea of going had gotten away from me as I had been spending my summer back home like usual.
In this week before our flight out, I experienced many emotions that can be broken down into 3 stages; First, what needs to get done, second, actually getting everything done, and third, accepting the fact that the time I have during the summer, with the people I love, will be cut short by five weeks along with every other last-minute insecurity about the trip itself.
At first, I was overwhelmed by the thought of getting everything sorted for a five-week trip in just a week.?I had failed to remind myself that I had already, subtly prepared for what needed to be done, including doctor’s visits that were already set up and vague “to-do” lists for packing and other errands that I had already written out. All that was left for me to do was to rule out what was and what was not still relevant. Next was the process of completing each item on the “to-do” list:? “Call bank”, check.?“Print copies of documents”,?check. Looking back, I may have been using these tasks as a way to stay busy and keep my mind off of the hardest part, personally, which was the hardest reality. As the number of empty checkboxes decreased, I found myself wondering what I’d do without seeing my family, friends, and boyfriend every day, since that’s the routine I had become attached to this summer. I found myself wondering if the people on this trip would enjoy my company the same way they do or if we would all become friends or stay to ourselves.
Needless to say, my concerns were pushed to the side and I said my goodbyes. With the support of my people back home reminding me of how excited I should be, I walked into the airport to meet my new roommates, who are now dear friends of mine that I am so grateful to know and to share this experience with! Let the fun begin!