Miniature Skyscrapers

I sit here with piles of clothing surrounding me, stacks of pants and t-shirts as high as my desk stand tall like miniature skyscrapers, wondering how I could possibly pack all 15 of my favorite shirts into the small, blue suitcase laying on my beige carpeted floor.

It's hard to believe that this year long process has become only 4 short days away. From the applications, paperwork, and seemingly hundreds of emails that have come and gone in preparation for the final departure, it felt like this day would never come. Now, as I sit here surrounded by my excitement, my fears, and of course my endless piles of clothing, I cannot believe that I leave this coming Friday. In so many ways, it still doesn't feel real.

For so long, going to Denmark was just a far-off idea, a dream, a hope for adventure, and an opportunity to learn more about the world I live in, but now, these dreams have turned into reality. A reality full of fears and anxieties, but more importantly, excitement. I fear for the newness and change that will come with such a huge journey, but the thrill of these same changes brings so much opportunity for personal growth and so many feelings of excitement. I fear leaving the comfort of my home at Illinois Wesleyan for a home-stay with a new family, and I dread leaving the people I have come to love and rely on, but I know that this experience will only make me stronger, more independent, and will give me a perspective of the world that I never could have had by sitting in the comfort of my home country.

Here, through DIS, I have chosen to study polar biology, where I will be able to delve deep into the ecology of polar ecosystems and see the ways in which climate change have impacted the area. To say I am honored to have this opportunity is truly an understatement. This experience is one in a million, and I cannot wait to come back to my community in December to share the knowledge that I will gain through this experience.

The zipper on my suitcase struggles to close, as the stacks of clothing press against the walls of the enclosure. The skyscrapers of clothing don't even compare to the towers of emotions in my head. Through this blog, I will record all of my experiences, thoughts, and feelings as I embark on this new journey. I print my ticket, and pack up my passport. Here we go. Let's embark on this journey together.