life changing, life changes

Because of certain life-changing experiences, life changes.

Studying abroad definitely did this for me. Maybe not for everyone. But for me. It changed my life. It changed not only who I am but what I plan to do when I get out of here, if I ever get out of here, and if things go to plan, which they most certainly will not because I am not one for planning and my dreams for life after Aquinas College are not really plans but more vague ideas.

"I wanted real adventures to happen to myself.
But real adventures, I reflected,
do not happen to people who remain at home:
They must be sought abroad."
-James Joyce

I want to travel. I will travel, rather it be with a job or on my own. I want to go places I've never been before. Yes, I do want to go back to Ireland, I love it there and I miss it every day. However, living to Ireland broadened my understanding of the way the world works. There is more than America. I'm not saying life in another country is any better or worse. It's different. I like different. I've been to Poland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Ireland. There is SO MUCH MORE to see. So many places I want to experience. I don't want to be here forever.

Similarly, I want to live in another country, rather it be Europe working or another continent teaching or volunteering with some sort of organization. Maybe one day I will return to the U.S., but I have to say that if I don't make a life for myself in another country for at least a little while, I will be extremely disappointed.

I'm not too worried about getting married or having children. Procreation is not something I support at this point in my life, and I'm not sure if my opinion will ever change. I do not think this is selfish. However, when you have a child there are so many sacrifices that must be made. Is it worth it? I'm not so sure just yet.

Basically, I want to travel and continue to learn for the rest of my life. I want to experience new cultures, read and learn, meet new people. People are important because each one can teach you something about you. I will be a student for life, but not in an institution.