I am currently at the Indianapolis International Airport about to begin my Journey to study abroad in Berlin, Germany. I will be participating in the program entitled, “Communications, New Media, and Journalism,” and I will be learning material that will go hand in hand with what I am learning here at IU in the journalism department. Not only will I be living in a beautiful and vibrant city, but I will also be studying material in line with my passions.

If you would have told me two days ago I had made it to the airport, fully packed and ready to go, I would not have believed you. Procrastination really takes on a new meaning when it comes to me. But here I am, waiting to board my plane. I wish I could tell you saying goodbye mom and dad and my boyfriend was easy, but it wasn’t. It was a very teary-eyed goodbye actually. It’s not my fault I’m surrounded by a lot of love in my life, and I’m sad to leave that behind, even if only for 5 months. I am however, very much looking forward to my upcoming trip now that my suitcase is packed, and I’ve said my goodbyes.

I will say, besides saying my goodbyes, one of the hardest parts of preparing for my trip has been packing my suitcase. There is so much that you would love to bring, but really should leave behind in order to have space for more important items. For example, I would have loved to have packed my fuzzy blanket, but I know I can always just buy one once I arrive. I did not, however, hesitate to bring my camera. I am now ready, as my mom said, to “let the journey begin!”