songs: Butterfly Fly Away meets The Party’s Just Begun

WOW, so this is really happening! As my departure date draws closer, I continue to feel emotions that I did not expect. My feelings range from excitement to disbelief to hesitation to happiness then anxious to ecstatic…the list goes on. But, as my wise mother told me, this is normal! Also normal – packing your suitcase at least four times. How many shirts is too many? We’ll have to guess. Before I know it, we’re on our way to the airport. The three-hour drive to the airport flew by as I stared out the window contemplating my emotions. 

Was I really going to another country for the first time in my life? How would my family act without my therapist energy? Would the language barrier be overwhelming? Would I make friends? How would I rant to my friends if they’ll be an ocean away? 

All of these questions swirled throughout my mind on the plane. But after a lengthy nap, I woke up in sunny Barcelona and my mood was almost immediately lifted. I walked into Barcelona’s airport and heard a symphony of Spanish conversations while I anxiously waited in line. I watch the official stamp hit my passport to the sound of The Party’s Just Begun by the lovely Cheetah Girls.

Tip of the week: Find a song that can calm you down, without fail, and play it in your head whenever you feel overwhelmed. Remember that you wouldn’t be on this journey if you couldn’t handle it – you got this!

Published by Ayanna Bailey

Class of 2023 Psychology Major, Neuroscience Minor IES Barcelona, Spain

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