On January 13, 2023, I was at the airport saying goodbye to my parents because I was about to embark on a whole new journey. I was leaving to go study abroad in London for five months. At my home university, I live in a dorm, so yes, I was away for school, but I could always go home when I wanted. I was in the same time zone as my family, and I was in the same state. However, this time when I was leaving for school, I was leaving to go to a whole new continent, and I would be away for a long time. Before this trip, I only traveled once and I was not alone; but this time, I was alone. So, it is fair to say that I was scared, nervous, and anxious. I was moving away by myself to a place I had never been before. Not only was I going to be the new kid in school, but I was new to the whole country. 
When I finally made it to London, it took a while for it to hit me that I was actually in Europe. It was not seeing a different version of the money sign; being in a different time zone; knowing I was going to be away from home for months; or, seeing different types of architecture that made it real. It was later that night when I was in bed watching YouTube that I noticed my ads were in a different accent when it hit me that I am really in London by myself.
As a criminal justice major, I was able to learn about London’s criminal history, their government, and their statistics. I was able to learn so much information that I only could have learned in London. I even traveled to Paris by myself for a couple of days and that was even scarier since I do not speak French! Looking back at it now, I feel proud of myself for going through with these plans because I know now that studying abroad for the semester was not an easy journey.
In the beginning years of my college experience, I was suffering greatly because of mental illness. I was very depressed and that prevented me from making memories. I would spend my time in bed; I had to force myself to eat, shower, and get some sunlight. Luckily, I am better now. Even though going to study in London has been my dream since I was young, my old self would have never gone abroad. A huge motivator for me to seek treatment and to make the most of life, was that I did not want to disappoint myself or my supporters. My parents are immigrants and they have worked tremendously hard to support my siblings and me. The last thing I want to do is disappoint them.
When I was in high school, I was fortunate to cross paths with the Tearte Family Foundation where I met the loveliest people who have helped me financially and emotionally. I would not be the person I am now or made the memories I made if it were not for these generous people. I owe them my success and gratitude and hope to make them proud.
