And So The Journey Begins

Sunrise at the beach. Virginia Beach, VA. March 27th, 2021.

Hi friends!

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Faith. I'm an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in International Studies at Virginia Wesleyan University. Since the COVID-19 pandemic really threw things in for a loop, I am in the unique situation where I get to spend my final semester of college abroad!

I will spending it at the University of Tartu in Tartu, Estonia. I am so excited for this chapter of my life to begin, but I also have bittersweet feelings about this last one ending. My journey here at VWU has been one heck of a rollercoaster. I've gained friends and I've lost them. I travelled to Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and New York City. I represented the campus while working as a Wesleyan Ambassador (campus tour guide) and challenged myself by becoming a Resident Assistant for first year students. As far as extracurriculars, I joined my university's newspaper team, The Marlin Chronicle and became apart of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority's Epsilon Eta chapter.

Suffice to say, I have done a lot here during these quick three years. As I prepare to close this chapter behind me and start a new one, I can't help but feel slightly thrown off. You don't realize how fast time goes by til one day you stand still and reflect on everything that's happened. Truth be told, I think I won't be fully ready to let go until I'm boarding the plane headed to Estonia.

However, I know that life goes on and it's so important to seize all the opportunities you are given. You really don't know where it could leave you. I'm slightly nervous about the idea of spending approximately five months alone in a foreign country. I've always been the independent type, constantly seeking out new adventures and things to try. However, most of the time I'm with a friend or my family. This is going to be very different since I'm basically going to be a freshman all over again!

A lot of people have asked me, "Why Estonia?" To be completely honest, I still don't know exactly why I chose Estonia. All I knew was that I wanted to be somewhere in Europe, but off the beaten path. Lots of college students end up in the United Kingdom, Spain, or France. I wanted something different. Maybe it's the dreamy Christmas markets in Tallin or the museums in Tartu, something about Estonia is calling my name.

Given everything that has happened this semester, I think that taking the time "off' and traveling to a new country will be good for me. I'm hopeful that I can find whatever it is I am looking for over there. I have a few concerns about going abroad, but for right now I'm okay with not thinking about it. Super healthy, I know.

This summer will be all about research, applying for my visa, and working so I can have spending money. It's all a bit nerve wracking and I know my parents are slightly worried, as parents naturally are. Currently I am waiting on my acceptance package so moving forward I can figure out the logistics of housing and class registration.

Till next time!

- Faith :)