So, tomorrow I make my very first trip out of my home country in my life. Growing up in rural South Georgia, I remember being excited just to travel across the state line! During my time as an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, I heard about the trips that my friends made to other countries and thought about how neat that would be, but when it came down to making a decision to go for myself, I always seemed to find a reason not to. I made up excuses like, “Oh, I have plans that week” or “I don’t think that would really be beneficial for my career as a teacher”. In reality, I was scared to death to make a leap out of my comfort zone.

I graduated in May of 2015 with a BSA in Agricultural Education. Following graduation, I gained a graduate assistantship position in the Fall in the Master of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Study abroad opportunities and stories continued to pop up everywhere in my day-to-day life. I began to finally realize the opportunity I would be missing out on if I didn’t take advantage of it right now. I won’t be getting any younger, and my time as a college student will be ending soon. Ironically, a couple of months into the semester, I was offered a position as Teaching Assistant for the Uruguay: Sustainable Beef and Grain Production and Marketing Systems study abroad trip. I remember thinking,  “Now is the time. I have to take this leap!”

So… I did! I made the connections, and my hesitations are now a reality! I will be on my way to Uruguay in less than 24 hours. I have more mixed emotions right now than I ever thought possible, but most of all, I am ECSTATIC!!! I am beyond thankful to every supporter who has helped to make this trip possible for myself and the students. Stay tuned to find out about the wonderful experiences I know I will be sharing in the upcoming week!