Time for some reflection

     Exactly four months ago today, I landed in a city that would change my life. I walked off that plane in Heathrow jetlagged, but ready to begin. I remember it like it was yesterday, although it feels like years ago. I was not aware at the time how the next four months would change me and change my outlook on life; I was just excited to see the world and hopefully make a friend or two.
     Fast forward a month in the blink of an eye, and I have 10 of the best friends I could have asked for and am enjoying every second of London. London is the place where I found myself. I discovered who I want to be, what I want to do, and for the most part, what I want out of life. I could not have imagined that London would have such a profound effect on me. I learned so much and gained so much maturity. I learned how to handle situations, handle people, solve problems for myself, and how I am under little sleep and physical exhaustion. I learned to appreciate every opportunity I am given and every place I step foot in. I appreciate my parents for giving me the chance to go out and explore this not-so-big world and learn all of these things. I also leaned to appreciate myself, as conceded as it sounds. One cannot go through life without appreciating oneself. There are things I know I can do now that I am grateful for and things that were heightened during my time in Europe. I have an excellent sense of direction and I needed to rely on this more than ever when in other countries. And I can plan trips like a travel agent, picking the flights, hostels, and destinations.
     When people would explain their experience abroad before I did it for myself, they would throw phrases around like 'life changing' and 'best decision of my life', and I would just ignore them because I couldn't wrap my head around the extremity, and I just didn't think they could tell me how I would feel. But I can honestly and confidently say, those are true. Those people were not exaggerating or sugar coating, studying abroad was all that and more.