Five Months Studying in France
Today is the beginning of a big adventure in my life. My name is Olivia Carr and I am currently sitting in the Chicago airport waiting to depart to France to study abroad for five months.
In January of this year I had begun searching for exchange programs. My parents can tell you that my future dream job would be anything that allows me to travel. I have been blessed, to say the least, throughout my life. My parents are incredibly loving and have always supported me with whatever I set my mind to. The idea of going abroad my senior year was something I never thought I would have ever done. Don’t get me wrong, travelling was something I loved and the idea of going to France to learn the culture was my dream but actually doing something about it, I never would have guessed that I would have followed through. By the beginning of March I had finally finished all of the paperwork for my application form. I remember getting my acceptance email, I was visiting my brother and sister-in-law for a few days. I still can’t believe I got accepted to partake on such an exciting adventure!
I think going to France is going to be a different experience without my family around me the whole time. You see, my family is super close knit and I have never really been away from them. I have two older brothers and I have 4 younger sisters. Saying goodbye to them this morning at the Saskatoon airport was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but I think I have finally realized that as scary or as nervous as I am about being away from them for so long, I will see them again. Leaving on this trip has already taught me more about myself. For instance, I can be a light packer when I need to be! I’ve also learned that customs really is not all that terrifying and I had nothing to be worried about!
My last few days at home were filled with happiness and laughter. My closest friends came over the night before I left to say bye and joke around. I have a few really close friends back home and it meant a lot to me that they came to wish me well before I left. Two of my good friends made me a photo album for when I was missing home and another one of my friends wrote me a really kind letter. During those last few days in Saskatoon I think I finally learned how to balance friends and family. My sister has already moved into my room in Saskatoon and has proceeded to make it her own while I’m gone!
These next five months will come with many challenges for me and many celebrations and I can honestly say I can’t wait for any of it.
“Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created” (Esther 4,14) Thanks Dale! 😉
