Last Few Hours in Edinburgh

Well hello!
Long time, no talk. I've been really busy and have had no time to keep up with my blog, unfortunately. But everything is over now! It's so insane to me... I feel like this semester lasted forever and flew by at the same time. So weird how time can do that. Julia described this feeling in the best way, "Bitter Sweet". I never really understood that oxymoron until this moment... I was walking around Edinburgh thinking that there is still lots to see and do, then I realized how MUCH I have seen and done over the last 5 months. It is really incredible to think about.. Instead of think what I didn't get done or missed out on I am going to think about the amazing memories I've made. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I hope every human being can see a different part of the world and experience a different culture at least once in their life (close or far away!). I have learned so much about myself, goals and aspirations from this trip. I have developed passions and had conversations with interesting people that opened my mind to new ideas and possibilities. Everyone needs to be open to new experiences because it truly makes you a more well-rounded person. Also, it is one of the most rewarding feelings to accomplish one of your lifetime goals. I always knew I wanted to study abroad, and chose Stetson because of its options but I never knew that it would really happen...and now its over. But no fear, I will continue to take adventures and set more goals to achieve. 11 countries down, who knows how many more to go!

Now, let me just say how excited I am to be going home! I'm so glad that I chose to come this semester instead of the Spring, because it is so thrilling to know that I am going home to my entire family and all of my friends will be in town. I will be celebrating the holidays and eating great food in a few short days with my grandpa, Laurie, cousins, aunts, grandma, parents, and brothers. I get to see my friends back home, in Louisiana who I haven't seen in a whole year! Then I get to go to Florida and throw a New Years Eve party with my friends I haven't seen in 6 months. It's positively perfect! Even though I feel I don't want to put this experience to come to an end, I know great things await over break and for my last 3 semesters at Stetson. This is a time of transition and growth. I've had my 21st birthday since I last wrote, which means I am now an adult (sorta), and it is time to start getting things lined up and looking into my future. Will Edinburgh be in my future? I don't know just yet, but I'll let you know as soon as I do.

Thanks so much for reading. Hope you've found it interesting and inspiring. Get out there and see/do something you've always had on your Bucket List. You deserve it.

Until the next adventure,
Alyssa