8/21/13
I am sitting on the plane right now heading to Poland. Last night I had a very emotional time saying “See you soon” to Rachel, Adrian, Yasmeen, and Sarah La. I cried like a baby in their arms. It used to be so easy thinking about leaving my home for a year and living in a new country but when it comes down to it…I hate the idea! I don’t want to leave my friends and family. Everyone asked me for the past week if I am excited but how can I be excited?! I am terrified to go to a new place, alone. I don’t know the language, I don’t know anyone, and I have to be independent for the year. There is nothing to be excited about! No one will ever know how I feel..except for other exchange students.
While I was waiting in the airport for my flight, I met a girl that was tall with red hair. She was an exchange student in the USA from Germany about 4 years ago. She was extremely comforting because we went through the gates together and talked about how Europe isn’t actually that scary. She said the kids know at least a little English and the airports also have English signs. I have a layover in Germany for 2 hours. As soon as I get to Poland on Thursday, I have to go straight to a language camp. I don’t think I am nervous about meeting the other exchange students. I am nervous about how tired I will be and about finding my host family in the airport. Everyone keeps saying everything will be fine so I really hope they are right!
I cried a lot when I first got on the plane but I reassured myself: “This year will fly by faster then you want it to go. You will be able to see the entire world before any of your friends or family. No one is as lucky as you! You’ve wanted this since freshman year of high school. Your dreams are finally a reality. For the most part, Stephanie, stay strong but sometimes it is okay to cry.”
We arrive in Frankfort, Germany in 5 hours. I should sleep but I’m not even tired. I just want to be at home right now. I am going to try my best to sleep though.
Stephanie Raquel (International Traveler)
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