Before I go...
In 4 days, I will be taking my very first trip out of the country to head to Barcelona, Spain. This is something that I have always dreamed about doing. I can still remember when I was young my mother told me about the time that she went to Russia. She always tells me that it is one of her favorite memories and opened her eyes to a lot of things the world has to offer. Ever since then I have been aspiring to go out of the country.
Since I played basketball most of my child hood that gave me the opportunity to travel throughout the United States. I go to see mostly every state and experience many things. But being able to go out of the country is excitement on an entirely different level. So, let me tell you how I made this decision.
I had transferred to The University of the District of Columbia from Coppin State University where I was already on track to graduate on time. After I had transferred, I learned that I would have to go to summer school because not all of my credits were accepted by the institution. At first, I was upset because I did not know if I would be able to graduate on time like I had always wished. Then after meeting with so many people all throughout the school to figure out what my options were I was mentally tired. That night I was just scrolling through Instagram and I saw an ad for a study abroad in the summer.
I was so excited I couldn’t contain myself, the thought that was running through my head was…” if I have to go to summer school, I might as well take advantage and go abroad.” This was in about November, if you have done this before then you know that’s not a lot of time to get things done. Well unless your rich or have a personal tree that grows money.
When I first started searching on the site, I went by the top 3 places I always wanted to visit. The first option was Japan, I have always wanted to go and what better way to see the country than to go for school. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any programs within my major. The next option was Paris, France, because of a French class I took when I was younger, and fashion gave me the passion to want to go. Again, I was disappointed because they didn’t have any programs within my major. Then my last option was Barcelona, Spain, because of the Cheetah Girls. You guys might say “REALLY…well that’s a bit corny.” Well that movie was a big part of my childhood and gave me a passion to want to visit. Then I had found it the perfect program that I could gain my last 3 credits from. So, I crossed my fingers and sent I my application hoping I would get accepted into the program.
Next thing I know an email was sent to me saying “Congratulations you have been accepted into the CIEE Business + Culture program.” I was so happy when I got that email but hiding under that happiness was fear that I wouldn’t be able to go because of my socioeconomic situation. At that time, I was dealing with a knee injury that I didn’t see a good future for, little did I know that the injury gave me more drive to do it.
So, I used my refund check to pay my confirmation fee that solidified my spot. The next thing that I had to do was get a passport. I have never even looked up how to apply for one before. So, between my mom and my God Mother they helped me figure out the situation. As I started the process for getting my passport the next thing, I did was make myself a GoFundMe. That must have been the hardest thing for me to do. I am not comfortable when it comes to asking for help money wise. I have always been the type to work hard for the things that I want and let God handle the rest. Then sometimes you need a little extra help so, that is the reason main reason I made my GoFundMe.
For a long time, it didn’t bring in any money and for a long time I didn’t pay on my tuition bill because I didn’t have it. Or I would just make really small payments when the money did come. Then come February 6th, 2019 I got my surgery for my knee which made me really happy because it meant I would be able to have my leg back for Spain. Around that same time, I had a received a scholarship that would pay for my airfare to Spain and back. Which made me so happy it made my dream turn into a reality. So, the thing only left for me to do was pay my tuition bill.
After a few weeks at physical therapy and rehab I got back to be a server at Buffalo Wild Wings. When I tell you guys, I was hustling and flipping tables to be able to make the tips I needed. It continuously paid off every weekend my study abroad bill went down. I was getting a little nervous because my plan was to pay off half my bill by the end of April to get on a payment plan. The days were getting close and I was still $400 short of my half goal. I started to get scared and go into despair. The next thing I know my Aunt sends me enough money that will get me to my half goal and put a little ahead for the next payment.
I was so happy that I started crying, I had no idea where the money was going to come from or if I was going to be able to make it all with my tips working only weekend shifts. This took a load off of my and gave me a chance to get on the payment plan that would give me extra leeway. By getting on the payment plan it pushed the date back for the bill until July 1st.
Throughout this entire process I have been hustling to get to something that I wanted. With the help of my family and being able to work weekends I made it happen. I still have a little bit left to go on my tuition bill, but I will not stress, and I will not worry because I know that I will be able to pay it off. I give it to God, because he has been helping this far, I know he won’t let me down. I am so close to taking this journey that will change my life forever, I am excited, nervous, and scared to leave the country for the first time. I am ready to experience change and I am excited to share it with you all!
So, before I go, I want to say thank you to everyone for all the support you’ve given me throughout this entire process.
