From the age of four years old, I was always playing sports–soccer, gymnastics, karate, volleyball, softball, and I even unsuccessfully tried out for the middle school basketball team on a whim. It did not matter what sport I was playing at the time, I just loved being active. What I did not love at all was meeting other people who played the sports I loved. I can vividly remember several occasions where I was so freaked out by meeting new people, I almost quit before the season started. One year, my dad had driven me all the way to the softball fields on the first day of practice, and as soon as we parked and I could see all the new kids on the field, I was overcome with fear. I turned to my dad, who at this point was accustomed to my fear of meeting new people, and I told him I could not get out of the car. I was frozen with fear. So many anxieties filled my head. The other kids will not like me. They are probably better than me. Eventually, after some encouraging words and corny jokes from my dad, I got out of the car and walked onto the field. And what do you know? It was not that bad. The other kids liked me, I suppose, and we were all equally matched to play on the team. Once my anxieties disappeared, I was on top of the world.

My trip to Spain was much like my younger days on the softball field for the first day of practice. I was quite anxious to arrive and to meet my new classmates and to become integrated into the Spanish lifestyle. For months and months I imagined what my arrival to Spain would be like, and I was really nervous. Much like before, all I needed was some sweet, encouraging words from my dad and others to banish my anxieties. Again, many of my fears were gone once I arrived in Spain, and it was a great feeling to finally have arrived in the country that I will call home for the next four months.

So far, things are generally as I imagined the would be. Spain is a beautiful country filled with beautiful places and beautiful people. I have had the privilege to tour and wander the streets of Madrid, Toledo, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and of course, my new city of Salamanca. What impresses me the most is the history and architecture. Each corner of every city is infused with hundreds and hundreds of years of history. In the history department, the United States has NOTHING on Spain. I cannot help but feel so blessed to be surrounded with such history.

If there is one thing that will take some getting used to, it will be the later hours for meals. I mean, who eats lunch at 2:30 pm and dinner at 9 pm?! For now, it is strange, and my body hates me a little bit for eating so late, but I suppose I will survive. The good news, though, my host mom, Basi, cooks the most amazing food. I can definitely get use to that.

As I reflect on my first few days, I am excited to see what my classes and my travels have in store. I can already feel my level of independence growing, which is such a beautiful thing. In this moment, I can feel my anxieties leaving, and I will soon be on top of the world, maybe quite literally. I am looking forward to keeping you all updated on my growth.

sinceramente