It’s hard to believe that it’s almost here! I’m actually getting on a plane and flying to New Zealand tomorrow. There are a lot of things that factored into my decision to go abroad, but one of the biggest ones for me was my desire to understand how to better understand people who have a background different than my own. I’ve never left the U.S., so I thought what better place to go than the opposite side of the world?
I’ve had an interesting time preparing for this trip since I’ve never flown on a plane, much less been abroad. I had to learn what you can and can’t pack, how to pack, how much to pack, New Zealand’s rules for what you can’t bring into the country, etc. I’ve also had to mentally prepare myself for the trip. Because of the structure of the program, we won’t be staying anywhere longer than four days, which could begin to take a toll on one’s mental health. In order to combat this, I’ve made sure to plan to call home every once in a while, I’m bringing a journal, and I’ve started to get to know the people going on my trip. I’ve already made a couple of new friends!
Packed and ready to go!
I’m actually quite nervous for this whole experience. Excited too, but very nervous. I’m nervous about not feeling accepted by the other people going on the trip, getting sick, all the normal things. But most of all, I’m scared of being confused the whole time. I always like to know what’s going on and why, but since I’ll be in new country I’m afraid I’ll be mixed up not knowing the way things normally work, and make a fool of myself.
But fears and nervousness aside, I am extremely excited for this trip. Hopefully I’ll get to see the full beauty that New Zealand has to offer, explore a new country for the first time, and maybe change my outlook on life and grow as a person.
See y’all on the other side of the world!