I often find myself getting caught up in the idea of having a good time and in doing so, forget to actually have a good time. Some of my favorite times abroad happened when I paused my life.

Once I allowed myself to embrace these feelings of change with openness and acknowledgment that my life was changing – exactly as I wanted – the more I began to adapt and love my new home.

Pushing yourself and facing your fears is the best way to become something you never knew you could. If I hadn’t, I would still be the same shy girl who barely wanted to say hello to anyone.

My mom did not allow negative ideas into my head about not attending college. She encouraged me to take the next step in receiving an education. So, I applied, was accepted, and succeeded.