Impending Queso Withdrawals

One of the many skills I've learned since starting college at Texas A&M University is how to be an expert procrastinator.  And here you have it. 

I've been trying to study abroad my entire college career.  I live in a wonderful, safe, suburban city in North Texas and have only ever been out of the country once, to Canada, when I was seven years old.  Which, let's face it, doesn't really count.  I've been waiting for a chance to get out and explore!!  So, for my last full semester at A&M, I won't be in College Station.  Whoop(s)!

Early on last summer I mentioned this trip to my parents and asked if they would think about letting me study abroad.  The idea was promptly shut down, but I couldn't stop thinking about it.  Near the end of the summer, I shadowed my neurologist in a couple super intensive surgeries and fell in love with the Operating Room and learning about the technology used to fix all sorts of disabilities/neurological problems.  I mentioned thinking about studying abroad and my neurosurgeon wrote a prescription for me to give to my parents that simply said "Germany."  And after a bunch more convincing, here I am.

I have some high (maybe unrealistic) expectations for my "Hero's Journey."  Firstly, I hope to get a lot of experience researching the biotechnology used at enmodes, and I hope that will eventually lead to a career and specialization.  Right now, the career path I would like to take is working as a device specialist in the OR, and this trip sounded almost tailor-made for me. 

Secondly, I hope to immerse myself in the German culture and learn as much as I can about life halfway around the world.  I want to learn the customs, make tons of new friends, experience a whole new way of life, and make memories I can look back on for a lifetime.  I have no doubt I'll become great friends with the Aggies on my trip, but I also hope to make lifelong friends in Germany who I can visit whenever I have the chance to travel to Europe again. 

I still don't think it's fully hit me that this trip isn't just for a week or two.  I've never been in a place where my parents couldn't drive to me in a day if I needed them.  I've never been without cell service for long periods of time.  I've really never gone out on my own before.  I don't know what it's like, and honestly, I'm more excited than nervous to get this trip going!

I'm going to grow up a lot this semester.  I'm going to miss my parents, my friends at school, and my cat.  I'm going to go through some pretty severe queso withdrawals.  From what I've heard I'm going to eat more fried food and drink more beer in four months than I have in my entire life.  I'm also going to have the most fun and use the time away from home to travel and learn as much as I can. !  I can't wait!!!