About three weeks ago my life came to a screeching halt when I was approached by a friend about studying abroad in Spain to finish up my Spanish credits. The words hit me like a ton of bricks, who wouldn't want to study in Spain? I got a a little bit of information from our conversation, mainly that the info session was Tuesday, and I went on with my day. This conversation stayed in my head for days, her words racing through my mind, all the possibilities.

I mentioned the idea to some family members while I was the home for the weekend. Some were completely for it and others thought it was a joke. I, however, was completely in love with the idea, struggling to find a way to make my dream come true.

I attended the information session that Tuesday, watched a slide show, received a brochure, application, and tons of information. I only had 2 weeks to decide. After a meeting with the campus financial aid office, I was utterly bummed. There was no way I could afford the 5 week, 6 credit trip. I would only be able to get 2,000 in aid and the rest would be on me. I was devastated.

Later, that week I made it a point to go to my adviser's office hours and discuss my academics. To my surprise, I found out that I was unable to do my internship at the planned time because of prerequisites and I would not be able to graduate on time. I never thought that I could be so upset. Before I left, I asked about the trip to Spain. My adviser encouraged me to find a way to go, that this would be the experience of a life time, as well as get me to graduate on time. I was so excited to hear that and I knew that going to Spain was something that I had to make happen.

It will be hard to scrounge up the remaining 3,000 dollars, I will most likely take out a loan. It will hard to tell my parents and ask for their help. It will be stressful and it will be scary, but it will be one of the best experiences of my life.

So during May 23 and June 25 think of me, hopefully I will be studying in Spain having the time of my life.