First Try to Study Abroad

Wow, what a change in plans. 

This time last year I hadn't any idea of where I truly wanted to go. I had walked into the Global Education Office, frozen to the bone from the cool spring weather, a handful of times and each time I left with a new application in hand. Try, try, try again, isn't that what they say? I kept searching for a new place to visit.

I believe that God has a plan for us all...
and it is all laid out in the most complex fashion just to make us the most grateful we could possibly be when we reach the final version of our lives. 

With this being said, I'd like to let you in on a dirty little secret I have been keeping...

Last week, on Thursday morning, I received an email urging me to go to the Global Education Office to pick up an envelope. There I was handed a thick envelope filled with everything that I would need to complete the process of traveling to Bilbao, Spain for 5 weeks this coming Summer to study language, culture, and the history of the Basque country.

Delight, desperation, gratitude...
all of these emotions began to surface as a read the standard congratulatory letter. Tears began to well up in my eyes, tears of sheer confusion. I didn't quite know how I should feel or if I should even react because, why should I get my hopes up if it is not in the cards for me to travel?

Last week I deprived myself.
I deprived myself of the joy of a fantastic feat that I had accomplished. I, not once, but twice have applied and been accepted into programs to study abroad. Sure, in and of itself, this is not such an amazing task but considering the balancing act I performed with academia and the application process, I should have been proud of myself.

I have been worrying about whether or not I will be able to go ever since I received my acceptance...
that is up until I received a letter from my Grandma. In this letter, she wrote, "If you want to go badly enough, do it." My grandma is as sassy as she can get ( I think. ) but she cares with the entirety of her heart and in reading her words I lost 5 pounds (the amount of chocolate I would have consumed if I kept worrying). 

So, I'm taking her advice.
With the help that you all gave me last semester, I am going to go to Spain. I have applied to numerous scholarships and await their response. I am seeking out private scholarships. I am working to make you all proud. 

This is me saying thank you.
I am more grateful than you will ever know.
I am more excited than I can show.
I am more inspired than I have been lately....and it is all thanks to you.

Thank you for your support.
I look forward to sharing my photos, notes, and experiences.

With love and grace,
Kyala