T - 5 Days Until Takeoff

A chapter is coming to an end.

The first 20 years of my life have been spent living on an island off the coast. Quiet and in its own world. I can’t yet fully comprehend how much my life will change when I step on that airplane. I’ll be away for a few months. But when I come back, I’ll be moving to my college town full time. Daufuskie will no longer be where my physical home is, although it will always be home to me. I'm currently sitting on a porch during a storm while typing this in my notes app. I’m watching cardinals land on the table by me and chirp to each other. I can see the wind causing waves down in the river. The moss is swinging from the branches of the oak by the dock. These are small moments I know I can’t replace. And I know there are plenty more to come.

I’ll admit I’m someone who isn’t always a fan of change, it’s a scary thing for me. But I know that it’s needed. I can’t stay on this little island forever. I can’t hide from the world and the dangers it can present. But, I know that there is more for me out there and that I have to make changes in order to find those opportunities and moments. I'm grateful for those that have looked out for me and continuously encouraged me these last few months. I remember when I had first looked at study abroad opportunities my freshman year. I was jumping into so many things back then because I wanted to be involved and I was experiencing so many new things and changes. It was overwhelming back then, the thought of leaving the states along with everything else, but the thought of taking that jump over the big pond stayed in the back of my mind. Having traveled internationally before has definitely helped some of my nerves though. I knew I had to take this chance while it was within reach.

I think saying goodbye is the hardest part of this experience. Saying goodbye the my home of 19 years, to my family, my friends, and at the end of the trip I'll have to say goodbye to hopefully what is one of the best experiences in my life. But the reason that those goodbyes are hard is because they are filled with love, and I believe that is the most important part.

Down to the final few days before takeoff...

-Kit