Change does not come very easily to me. I have big aspirations in life but, admittedly, am a homebody at heart. I make plans and set goals, but when the time comes for me to shift to another space, my anxiety skyrockets.
Buuuut, I love experiencing new things, places, and people too much to submit to these feelings, so here we are 🙂 having spent the last two years studying 3,000 miles away from home at Middlebury College, and now, about to spend a semester at DIS Stockholm.
During the semester I will be taking Translational Medicine (my core course), Swedish Language & Culture, Psychology of Loneliness (I am particularly excited for this one), and working as a research assistant.
In trying to assess my mood pre-departure, I feel how I normally feel — excited but slightly stressed. Squeezing in quality time with friends and family, shopping for supplies, packing, saying goodbyes, and trying to stay calm is a struggle. Taking the time to check in on my state of mind in this moment while not getting too overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what is to come is a struggle. Saying goodbye to my dog is also a STRUGGLE.
My time abroad I’m sure will be great and fly by once situated, but the mystery of what will come makes it all a bit unsettling. But thrilling. Scary, but exciting. See? Already all over the place.
My biggest goal as of right now would be to use the semester to improve on Struggle #2, and to make a conscious effort to be in the moment and appreciate all the unique possibilities that the future has to offer. Being bold, saying yes more, and getting out of my comfort zone…..all things to strive for.
So fingers crossed for my personal goals, my academic pursuits, and for many meaningful experiences. And cheers to a great semester at DIS Stockholm!
Phaedra's Semester at DIS Stockholm 