I have thought about this day every day for the past year and a half. I thought about all the emotions and the feelings that come with leaving everything and everyone I know behind for a little while. I have felt scared, excited, nervous, and overwhelmed. I have felt every emotion on this rollercoaster of events. From applying to the program, receiving my visa, and this scholarship. I have tried to feel all the emotions. Through it all, I learned I have an amazing support system among my family, friends, professors, classmates, and coworkers. All of which have listened to me talk about this day and the emotions that come with it. One thing that one of my good friends told me that has resonated with me is that “it is scary to go alone, but it is even scarier to never go at all.” It sounds cliche, but she was very right. I knew I was doing the right thing and following my heart when I was more scared to never go it all than to go alone. So here I sit in the Chicago International Airport writing this awaiting the next six months and the adventures I will soon endure. I pray that it is everything I want it to be and more.
I want to thank my mom, grandma, and sister for keeping me grounded and supporting me through this journey. I want to thank my French teacher, Myriam Krepps because she was the first French teacher I ever had, and she undoubtedly prepared me for this moment. Lastly, I want to thank all my friends and coworkers for just always being there for me throughout the days leading up to this and being a shoulder to cry on when things were tough. I love you guys and will miss you all very much. For now, France awaits me, and I couldn’t be more excited to be there.
Au revoir
Mackenna Fountain