At this time in three weeks, I won’t be in the United States. At this time in six weeks, I won’t be in Nicaragua … I’ll be back home.

These thoughts hit me hard last weekend as I walked back from dinner at Riverview Cafe with a friend. While it was insane to think I’ll be somewhere I’ve never been before, it’s even more mind-blowing to know I’ll be back from my trip in a month and a half.

I’ve talked about it before, and I’ll keep thinking about it until I step onto Nicaraguan soil.

I’m terrified to go.

I’ve never done anything like this before, and instead of getting excited about it, I’m the type who worries instead. What if something happens to me?

One night last week, I was talking about my worries to someone, and she said I have nothing to worry about, and I shouldn’t be scared. You should just focus on right now and what you’re going to do next, she said.

Later that night, I went on to Pinterest, and one of the first pins I saw was a quote from Seth Godin. I’m not sure who he is, but his words really resonated with me. He said, “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.”

Those are the words I’ve lived by, and I’ll continue to live by, no matter how cheesy that sounds. If that’s the thing that’s going to let me focus on enjoying my time abroad, then so be it.

Despite being worried about the trip, I know I’ll be in great company. About two weeks ago, my professor hosted a dinner for those going abroad to ask any last-minute questions before the trip.

Being with them made this a lot easier and put me in a better mindset about going.

We shared information such as when we’re going to arrive in Managua, what we’re going to do there, what we thought of our host families so far and plenty of other things.

I was at my professor’s house for 3 hours that night, and I left my worries behind.

I left worry-free because I got to have one-on-one conversations with my professors, which was really great. Have you ever gotten to know your professors outside of the classes they teach? If you ever get the chance to, please do, because they offer great insight.

Being with people who are so excited to go on this trip inspire me to quit being anxious for once in my life and recognize that I get this amazing opportunity only a select few times in my life. Looking back on it now, I feel the same way I felt leaving that night: inspired and ready.

I know I’ve shared my contradicting feelings about going abroad, but I’ve been trying to think positively for many reasons.

The first and foremost reason is because I’m doing something others might not be able to, and I know I’m going to have the time of my life.

Three weeks seems like a long time right now, but I know once I’m reunited with my family on June 21, I’ll only think about the short amount of time I had in a country that had a huge impact on me. If I can focus on that and that alone, what’s going to stop me then?