I don't believe in finding yourself. I believe in thing the time To listen to yourself.
As I sit in the plane awaiting my first trip to Europe, I can't help but get a little introspective. For all of winter break, people have been giving me little slivers of advice, wishing me well, and sharing in my excitement.
Each and every one of these speeches ended with "you are going to have the time of your life", and "this is such a great opportunity". These two things put a lot of pressure on me I wasn't expecting. not that I am not expecting to have the time of my life, but now this trip has something to live up to.
The second bit of common sentiments expressed to me really makes me think. Everyone saying that this is going to be the trip of a lifetime and talking about the opportunity I had made me really starts to take ownership of this trip.
It started to process to me that now I was on my way, my bags were packed, my uncle got me a waist wallet for Christmas, and in a few short days I would be on this plane to Rome.
Now I sit here and am faced already with cultural differences on the plane. The success of this trip I have finally realized is not the nice new luggage, the money to travel or even who I get to spend time with.
The only thing that can really make this truly a trip of a lifetime is myself.
This brings me back to my first point about not believing in finding yourself. Finding Yourself, in my opinion Is just a cliche excuse college kids make up to fly to Europe.
Isn't all of college about "finding yourself"? Taking time to listen to yourself is what I believe in. Actually stopping and trying to understand who you already are and why, not chasing a stereotype around Europe, or a college campus for that matter.
That being said the opportunity I have to study abroad is one I won't squander trying to find myself, but instead listen to who I am.
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