Alles Gut

Tonight I realized that one of my life-long dreams could really come true.

I could go to Europe.

Scratch that.

I could LIVE in Europe. Austria to be exact.

Even though I've been thinking about studying abroad in Innsbruck, Austria for several months now, it didn't seem real until I started filling out the application today. It's been this idea I couldn't fully grasp--a "wouldn't that be cool" kind of thing. I mean, we're talking about ME here. Kaitlin Mae Felix. Age 19. Born and raised in Springville, Utah. Sometimes I say "mountain" without pronouncing the "T". I've never left the US, let alone left Utah for more than a week at a time. And now there is a very high possibility I could be living in Austria for 3 months?

WHAT THE WHAT?

Today I imagined myself getting off that plane and stepping onto European soil, my American-ness almost blinding those around me. I know only a few words and phrases in German, (I don't think I'll need be saying "vegetables" in most conversations, but if I do, I'm set) and my biggest fear is being the stupid American. (Note to self: Talking louder will NOT help them understand me any better. I've seen enough movies to know that.) So many questions run through my mind.

"What if I get lost?"
"What if I starve because I can't buy anything in German?"
"What if I run out of money?"

The list goes on and on. But I just have to stop and think:

"Katie. You're going to be in AUSTRIA studying a subject you LOVE. You're going to see things a lot of people will never get the chance to see in their lifetime. You're a smart, capable person that can figure things out if they go wrong. Pull...yourself...togetha!" (I don't really think that last part. It just seemed appropriate for some reason.)

I realized some things that not only pertain to me in this study abroad situation, but to life in general.

1. I am capable of attaining any goal I set.
2. Change should be welcomed and embraced.
3. When you get an opportunity that is too good to pass up, you better take it.
4. I have an incredible support system.
5. Sometimes you gotta just focus on what you know rather than what you don't. (Thanks, Brother Harding)
6. It's alright to change "the plan".

Anyway. It's not a set thing that I'm going to Austria. There is a chance I won't even get accepted. If that happens, I'll be crushed. But, you know? I'll move on. I'll still go to school and have the time of my life.

No good will ever come to me if I simply watch moments pass me by.

This will happen. If it doesn't? Well at least I tried.



[I want to go so bad it HURTS]