"All I'm Looking For Is An Adventure, For The Dreams In My Head"

Tomorrow, I drive to John F Kennedy Airport and board a flight to Hong Kong that will lead me to Bangkok, Thailand for 5 months.  I always knew that I wanted to study abroad but the question was always, where?  Paris was the dream.  However, when I chose Loyola, I learned about a program in Bangkok, Thailand.  I came to a quick and maybe irrational decision that I had to go to Bangkok.  I dreamed of riding elephants, eating exotic food, and seeing things I never knew existed on Earth.  This was my dream in September when I moved into Flannery O'Connor for my freshman year, and here I am a year and a half later, and I am going.

In November 2013, I went on a first year retreat through campus ministry.  I went to get away from campus, and go to a new environment since my homesickness was at an all time high.  Going on this retreat, I was about 75% certain that I wanted to go to Bangkok for my semester abroad.  However, on the retreat I met Brendan Hyland, a senior who had gone for his semester abroad there.  One night at dinner, I told him I wanted to go to Bangkok, and he convinced me.  There is no other way of putting it.  Everyone else I talked to could not describe how amazing the experience was.  I knew that I needed to follow through and get myself there. So a shout out needs to happen to Brendan Hyland for talking to me, sharing his story with me, and convincing me that Bangkok is the place I wanted to go.

I have lived in the same small suburb of New York City my whole life.  The biggest adventure I have been on is going to Baltimore to school and moving away from my family, or my family vacation to Canada, not to the other side of the world.  When I think about study abroad I think about eating endless amounts of unique food, seeing some of the most beautiful and ancient sites on Earth, and forming bonds with people that will last forever.  However, along with all of this comes sickness, home and physical sickness, fear of a new place and people, and immersing myself in a culture that is completely different then my own.  When I say Bangkok, the most common reaction is, "Why?"  "Why Thailand?"  "That is so far!!!"  All of these reactions are why I am going.  The things that make people nervous, make me excited (I know that sounds crazy).  Everything that will stand in my way and make me uncofortable is what I wanted.   I wanted to go somewhere they didn't speak English, I wanted to go somewhere unique and special, and most importantly,  I wanted to go somewhere that I would look around and not look like every person I see.  At this point in my life, I need to get out of my comfort zone, and see things and experience things I haven't had the opportunity to. At 20 years old, I am fit, I can climb a mountain, and I can jump on a plane without too many things to stop me.  At no other point in my life will I be in these circumstances, and that is why I couldn't say no to this opportunity.

Most importantly, my parents never stopped me.  So many of my friends parents said "No way" to the idea of traveling to Asia let alone, Thailand.  My parents heard me out, listened to me, and understood that this is what I want to do at this moment in my life.  So a quick shoutout to my mom and dad for supporting me and allowing me do this, and fulfill this dream of mine!!!

All I can say is that this is the adventure that will fulfill the dreams that are in my head, and I cannot wait to see where my life takes me these next five months.

Love Always (from my last night in my own bed),
Kate

Just a little FYI: Though I am the least creative person, this will be my little outlet to express what I am going through and what I am experiencing and for you (whoever you are that is reading this..) to follow along with me!!!

Towards the end of my Sophomore year, Natalia, my roommate discovered this song that perfectly sums up how I am feeling and what I am goingthrough...this is it  (Thanks Nat!!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeulwuTQkJ4