Excited, nervous, and everything in between
In just a couple of weeks, I’ll be leaving for what will probably be one of the biggest experiences of my life so far: spending four weeks in London and four weeks in Amsterdam. Even though I’m excited, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous too. Eight weeks away from home feels huge. I’ve traveled before, but never for this long and never internationally on my own for an academic experience. Right now, my emotions are somewhere between excitement, curiosity, and “I really hope I packed enough socks.”
As the trip gets closer, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to gain from this experience besides just photos and souvenirs. I want this summer to challenge me personally, academically, and socially. I know there will probably be moments where I feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, but I also think those moments are where the most growth happens.
3 Things I Want to Do During My Summer Experience
1. Explore everyday life in another country
Of course I want to see the famous landmarks and tourist attractions, but honestly, I’m more interested in the smaller everyday experiences. I want to ride public transportation, shop at local grocery stores, try random cafés, and observe how daily life feels different from the United States. I think there’s something meaningful about learning how people live outside of your own environment. Since I’m majoring in psychology, understanding people and different perspectives is especially important to me.
One thing I’m really excited about is visiting museums in both London and Amsterdam. I’ve always enjoyed history, art, and learning about culture through visuals and storytelling. I especially want to see places connected to European history because reading about something in class is completely different from standing in the actual place where history happened. I think these experiences will help me better understand the world beyond textbooks.
3. Become more independent
This one is probably the most personal goal for me. Being away from home for eight weeks means I’ll have to rely on myself in ways I haven’t before. I’ll need to manage my time, navigate unfamiliar places, communicate with new people, and adapt when things don’t go according to plan. I think independence is one of those skills you only truly develop when you’re placed in unfamiliar situations, and this summer will definitely push me outside my comfort zone.
2 Skills I Want to Improve
1. Communication skills
One skill I really want to work on is communication. This includes speaking confidently, asking questions, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. Since I’ll be meeting students, professors, and locals from different cultures, I’ll have opportunities every day to practice communicating in new settings. Communication is both a personal and professional skill because it affects relationships, networking, teamwork, and future career opportunities.
As someone interested in psychology and potentially becoming a child therapist in the future, communication is essential. Being able to listen carefully and understand people from different perspectives is something I know will help me later in life.
2. Adaptability
Another skill I want to strengthen is adaptability. Traveling abroad means things probably will not always go perfectly. There may be language barriers, transportation issues, cultural differences, or moments where I simply feel out of place. Instead of getting frustrated, I want to learn how to stay flexible and open-minded.
I think adaptability is one of the most valuable professional skills someone can have because life constantly changes. Whether it’s college, future jobs, or personal challenges, being able to adjust and stay calm under pressure matters. This summer will give me real-life opportunities to practice that every single day.
1 Song That Reflects My Mindset
A song that really matches how I’m feeling right now is “Get Ready” by Rod Wave. He is one of my favorite artists because his music feels real and emotional, and this song especially connects with me during this moment in my life.
“Get Ready” feels like a reminder that before something big happens, there is always a preparation phase that people do not always see. That idea really resonates with me as I get ready to leave for eight weeks abroad in London and Amsterdam.
Some lyrics that stand out to me are:
“Get here,
Had to walk a whole lot of miles to get here
It’s safe to say that I’ma take the cake for this year”
These lines make me think about the effort and growth it takes just to reach new stages in life. For me, this trip feels like one of those “getting there” moments where I’m stepping into something I’ve been working toward in my own way.
Another part that sticks with me is:
“One day you gon’ wake up with your dreams in your face
And you gon’ been done did everything they said you can’t”
This feels like motivation to keep going even when things feel uncertain or overwhelming. As I prepare for this experience, it reminds me that growth often happens quietly over time, and one day you realize you’ve reached something you used to only imagine.
Looking Ahead
Even though I’m excited, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little overwhelmed too. Eight weeks away from home is a long time, and I know there will be moments where I feel out of place or unsure. But I also think those are the moments that matter the most.
I am not expecting to come back the same person I am right now. If anything, I hope I come back more confident, more independent, and more open to experiences I have not even thought about yet. This summer feels like a step into something unknown, but in a good way.
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