As my trip to Belize gets closer, it’s starting to feel more real with every passing day. The decision to study abroad came from a simple but powerful desire: I want to see more of the world. I’ve always been curious about life beyond the United States, including different cultures, unique ecosystems, and the incredible variety of plant and animal species that exist elsewhere. This trip feels like the perfect opportunity to experience all of that firsthand.
In the days leading up to departure, my preparation has mostly consisted of going over my packing list again and again. It might sound a little excessive, but triple-checking everything has honestly helped calm my nerves. At the same time, I’ve been reassuring my family that I’ll be safe and that there’s no need to worry too much, even though I know they still will.
If I had to pick a favorite item in my suitcase, it would definitely be my snorkeling fins. I mean, how could it not be? I’m going to be snorkeling at the second-largest coral reef in the world, and that’s something I’ve been looking forward to more than anything. Just thinking about it makes the whole experience feel surreal.
Of course, not everything about this trip is purely exciting. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous, especially about getting there. I’ve never been on a plane before, and I’ve definitely never navigated an airport on my own. Traveling solo for the first time is intimidating, but at the same time, my excitement for what’s waiting on the other side outweighs that anxiety.
One of the hardest parts will be being away from my family and friends. I know I’ll miss them a lot, but I also recognize how incredible this opportunity is. Not everyone gets the chance to study abroad, even for a short time, and I feel genuinely grateful to be able to do this. Belize has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, so the fact that I’ll be studying there still doesn’t feel completely real. I’m looking forward to everything this experience has to offer, not just the adventure, but the growth that comes with it.
By the end of this trip, I hope to gain hands-on research experience in the field, improve my ability to work as part of a team, and learn to identify a variety of species native to Belize. Just as importantly, I hope to build meaningful connections and make new friends along the way.