It's 4 AM

and about 5 days before I leave for my program. I have never left the country before and my overall grasp of the Spanish language seems minimal at best. A few nights ago, I dreamt that Argentina's rather authoritarian (but no doubt influential!) leader Juan Perón and his wife were my host family. Perhaps I should have called into question that both have been dead for quite some time. Instead it seems my stress about living with a new family was highlighted (I mean, what home stay gift would YOU bring for the ghost of a militaristic yet charismatic Argentinian president?).

I'm scared and I know that I'll dearly miss Wooster, my family, my friends, and my girlfriend. The last one probably most of all. 

However, despite the various concerns I have, I'm very excited. More excited than I've been about studying abroad so far, in fact. I originally decided to study abroad for peculiar-ish reasons. I've never seen myself as a "traveller" and I, unlike a lot of my friends, I didn't come to Wooster with any expectations of studying abroad. Rather, the concept of going abroad quickly became the castor oil that my caring nana (that is, my conscience) shoved down my throat, constantly reminding me that it is "good for you." I told myself that the ensured initial discomfort would pay off with incredible experiences that shape and develop my character.

This mindset isn't necessarily a bad one to have, but I now find myself quickly transcending to exuberance. I really am excited now. I'll get to make new friends, live in a thriving city, learn to speak Spanish with what I think is a very cool and suave accent, and for the first time ever I will truly feel like a global citizen. Maybe I'll even gain more of an appreciation for soccer.

I think writing all of this down got my thoughts in order. I'll get back to bed now. 

Maybe.