Here's the story:
It's always been my dream to travel to Europe. Walking along the Seine in France, eating mounds upon mounds of spaghetti in Italy, diving into the clear blue ocean in Greece- are there even better dreams to dream? Everything about travel always seems so idyllic and far away. Then, I found the application.
Through my school, there was an internship opportunity where students could apply to work abroad in Dublin, Ireland. It was an unpaid position, but I couldn't stop thinking about the opportunity, the people, the scenery- how could I pass something like that up? So I began applying.
After a while, things started to get pretty overwhelming. I couldn't stop thinking about the expenses; how much money it would cost just to take on an unpaid position for the sake of experience and to send myself halfway across the world. I thought about leaving my family for two months, and how much I would miss them. I decided, ultimately, not to apply.
Weeks passed by and I started feeling more and more guilty for giving up on my dream. The Emerald Isle, the bustling city of Dublin, the culture and people and pints I would miss out on constantly cluttered my mind. I'd do anything, I finally told myself, to make this happen.
The day before I decided to reapply, I got a pretty inspiring fortune (in the photo above). It was the final push I needed- after all, wasn't it always my dream to leave the country? My parents supported me, my sister supported me, my friends, my boss- there was really no one holding me back but myself.
So I started to apply again, I got my letters of recommendation and my forms signed and appointments made, and I sent my application off to be reviewed. A few days later and I found out that I'd been accepted.
I still don't know what I'm going to be doing over in Ireland. I have phone interviews, contracts to sign, and money to raise (see my sidebar!). I have a lot of things to get ready but ultimately, I know I made the right decision. Traveling is hard, expensive, and risky, but I wouldn't want to spend my summer any other way.
Follow this blog for more updates on my journey as I navigate the crazy waters of preparation and gear up for Summer 2014. Donate anything you can using the button on the sidebar and ease a little bit of my stress (plane tickets, program costs, and living expenses, oh my!), and I will love you forever.
Most of all, thanks to all of the friends and family who supported me and congratulated me after learning about my internship. You make me feel loved!!
Until next time,
Madi
(Glasses Girl)
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