“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
This quote by Eleanor Roosevelt is the mission statement for my study abroad experience. Just a few days ago, while finalizing plans for my trip to Spain, I broke down engulfed with a jumble of emotions. Could I really do this? Was I crazy to try? I grew up in a tiny town with only sixty students in my graduating class. Even when I left for college I was not alone because my brother also attends Texas Tech. Needless to say, studying abroad and leaving my family is going way beyond my comfort zone. When I ran across the quote above I was instantly reassured. I have to do this. I have to face my fears, and by doing so I will gain strength, courage, and confidence. After this realization, the excitement returned, and I know that I will have an amazing study abroad experience.
