The fact that I’ll be across the world very soon hadn’t hit me until I began packing my suitcase. This trip I’ve been preparing for the past few months is suddenly becoming tangible. It is no longer just a conversation piece, but now it’s evolving into a real experience.
I’m packing very lightly for this trip. Over the next three weeks we’ll be traveling to various cities in China, staying in each city for a few days before moving on to the next one. So the lighter our luggage is, the easier it will be for us to move about. Despite being there for three weeks, I’m only carrying about a weeks worth of clothes because I can go to a laundromat while I’m there. And if I get there and realize I forgot something, I can just make a trip to Walmart (Yes, they have Walmart’s in China).
After I finished double checking and triple checking my luggage, my parents and I started to head to Birmingham. We’re going to spend the night there because my flight is at 6:30 am tomorrow. We ironically had some car trouble, so we had to turn around and now we’re taking my car to Birmingham. It’s a good thing we decided to head that way today!
Countless times growing up I’ve dreamt about leaving my hometown, traveling to some foreign country and having an adventure. Now, it’s actually happening. This will be the longest I’ve been away from home. I’m very excited but also anxious, in a good way. I know this will be a life changing experience for me and I’m ready for it. My journey is officially about to begin.

Colton McCormick

Colton McCormick, from Savannah, Tennessee has just finished his freshman year. He hopes his Study Abroad experience may help solidify his interest and help him in declaring a major. Before entering UNA, he has been to England, France and Italy, but has always wanted to travel to China. Follow his adventure.

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