Studying abroad is all about expecting the unexpected, and that mindset came in handy a lot sooner than I imagined. My journey was supposed to start with a flight from Memphis to Chicago and then Chicago to New York and then to my host country, but Air Traffic Control had other plans. After a frustrating delay, I found myself rebooked for the next day and suddenly had an unplanned 24 hours to spend in New York City.
At first, I was stressed. Delays are never fun, especially when you’re already dealing with the anxiety and excitement of international travel. I kept thinking about how this disruption might throw off my arrival and my plans once I landed. But once I let go of the frustration, I realized this unexpected layover was an opportunity in disguise.
With a carry-on suitcase and my passport still in hand, I ventured out into the city. I strolled through Central Park, grabbed a bagel from a corner deli, and even got to see The Met setting up for The Met Gala tonight. It was the kind of spontaneous adventure that reminded me why I wanted to study abroad in the first place, to be open to new experiences, even the ones that don’t go according to plan.
Emotionally, it helped reset my mindset. That extra day gave me the space to breathe, reflect, and shift from “panic mode” to a more grounded excitement. The delay wasn’t ideal, but the silver lining was clear: I got to practice flexibility, patience, and adaptability, the very skills I’ll need while studying abroad.
It turns out my study abroad journey didn’t start when I landed in my host country. It started right there in New York, in a moment of unexpected discovery.
