My own traveling pants

    As my departure date starts to get closer I can’t help but wonder how it’s going to be. At first I was so overwhelmed with excitement about my long awaited trip that I couldn’t even think about the wonderful things I would be temporarily leaving behind: My friends and family, familiar places and food…I actually tried to cram a little taste of it all in my two week break between summer school (Yay O-chem) and Aug. 25^th—the beginning of a new experience abroad. I worked several days, visited my friends, attempted camping, drove to Gatlinburg for a weekend to see relatives (getting lost in the TN mountains), hosted some friends, spent time with my mom and dad, packed some, and started making a carry-on bag! I was full to the max. I felt I couldn’t breathe sometimes trying to fit everything in, but it was all worth it…I would have it no other way! I found ways to do everything I wanted—a summers worth in two weeks! I am glad I got to see everyone before I left. I feel more confident in my departure knowing that when I come back there are going to be people excited to see me…I won’t be forgotten…I stopped by Wofford the other day and was filled with pure joy when all these people came to say hello and bye to me! I got to give them all hugs and that made me so happy! It makes me somewhat excited to come back (I can’t wait to be on staff with those wonderful RAs in the spring); however, oddly enough I think one of my greatest fears is that this semester abroad will go by too fast for me to remember. I want it to last forever, but we all know I will eventually get homesick!

    Having a Dutch heritage I feel driven to Holland, knowing that I will feel comfortable there! A lot has worked out in my favor and for that I am thankful! Because my dad is from Velp, Netherlands and I was born in America, I had the opportunity to claim dual nationality! The process was somewhat overwhelming when I first looked into it two years ago, but with this new inspiration of going abroad I felt more driven to finish that paperwork and apply for my Dutch passport. So during the last weeks of summer school I drove to Columbia, SC to get my Birth certificate and such—all recent, certified and legalized. Then I took all my paperwork and drove to Atlanta for a day to get passport pictures made (mug shots since you can’t smile!) and turned in everything to the Dutch Consulate. Two weeks later a FedEx package came for me and I was ecstatic! My Dutch passport is beautiful and happy! It feels kind of good having official documents that prove your heritage. Not only that but since I am a dual citizen, I don’t have to get a residency permit for living in Holland; that saved me 433 euro! Yay

    My other happy accomplishment for the summer is still in progress but it is quickly coming together. I have constructed my very own personalized carry-on bag out of scraps of fabric, shirts, and pants! It is very colorful and it has been an extremely creative outlet for me. Hands on tasks like these are good at helping me relax and enjoy home before I leave. I cut up two different corduroy pants that make up some fun parts of the bag, so in a way they have become my traveling pants. This bag will represent me and all the things I love. It will remind me of home and where I am going, bringing my future forward. This bag was once just an image in my head so it is a good reminder that I can do whatever I set my mind to! Whatever I dream can be accomplished!

Don’t think of it as stepping out of your comfort bubble, instead just imagine expanding it!
Amsterdam here I come!