Last day in the states!

A couple of years ago I went skydiving. I went solo, not tandem. I sat through about 4 hours of training, before I eased myself out of that airplane... and let go!

I learned that perhaps the most important part of all the equipment was the parachute, and insuring that it was packed correctly. With this mentality, I tackled the grave situation of packing for Glasgow.

Perhaps leaving for study abroad is less of a life-or-death issue, but I spent a good deal of time contemplating what I should pack, and finally, packing it. So I am officially packed! Amazingly enough, when I first packed everything, the weight of the luggage was only 40 lbs. The limit for British Airways, which I am flying on, is 50 lbs. So why not go for a bigger parachute to ease the descent after you jump out of the plane? Logically I packed more.

I have gone through the training, that I am sure, as I discovered when sky diving, does not adequately prepare you for the experience you are about to have. The OU study abroad office has supplied me with information regarding what to expect, including culture shock, money matters, and medical information. The University of Glasgow has sent me packets for the International Student Orientation, as well as the International Student Handbook. Nevertheless, the experience cannot be truly prepared for.

I had nervous thoughts and excitement in anticipation of jumping out of a plane, and I am feeling them now as I wait the last couple of hours before I head to the airport. I have great expectations for this semester, but also some fears, including: what if I didn't pack adequately (I don't want a parachute failure!), what if I have issues navigating the largest city in Scotland, and what if I have immense home sickness. I don't want to crash land!!! I am excited at the thought of experiencing "Fresher's Week" (more on this later), meeting new people, and learning about Scotland and the Scottish people.

As I discovered when sky diving, there is no way to describe the experience of flying through the air. The entire time I came down from that plane, I was laughing for joy with a huge smile of elation on my face.

The hardest part of the entire thing was getting out of that plane.

My parachutes packed, my training is completed. I am ready for the experience of a lifetime! All I've gotta do now, is jump!!!