They may be right. I don’t know. In so many ways, I see this as a way for me to grow into myself. To become a better human. I am so excited to be going on this adventure. I know I’ve said it before. I may be running. I may be trying to escape this town or this state or this country. I’m not ashamed of that. I, also, don’t see it as trying to escape. I see it as attempting to grow. I see it as attempting to learn more about the world and about myself. I have always wanted more and I have always wondered what my next step would be. I went through so many possible scenarios. I’ve tried so many things and none of them have made me feel this inspired, certain, and nervous. I think that’s a good thing. I think it’s just what I needed. I want, so badly, to make a difference and I hope that I will. 

I’ve told many of my classes about this opportunity. Mostly, I’ve told my 7th and 8th graders when I’m substituting for their classes. I love their various reactions. I love the look of amazement in their eyes. I love that so many of them are proud of me. It just heightens my excitement. They have so many questions. I enjoy answering all of them. Mostly, I enjoy being honest with them. I enjoy telling them about my hopes and fears and letting them into my feelings. I think it makes me more “human” to them and I LOVE that. 

I love that I get to tell them about this opportunity that most of them have never heard of. I get to help them discover another possible path. This won’t be my whole life. But, it will help to shape the rest of my life and I think that is awesome. 

I’m incredibly lucky to have the support system that I have. So many people are helping me prepare for this journey. Every person that I tell and, in turn, tells me how incredible it is that I’m going and how they could never do it and how proud they are of me, just makes me feel even more excited to go. 

These seven months need to hurry up!