What I hope to accomplish abroad

Yesterday I sat down and expressed in my journal what my personal goals are for my adventure abroad to New Zealand. I didn’t realize until writing them down, how many there are (looks like i’ll be keeping myself busy!).

1. Focus on what’s in front of you: I tend to look towards the future and forget about what is going on around me in that moment. I’m an avid planner; I love to organize my life months in advance (like “oh! what else could I be doing now?” or “where will I be going next week?”). One that I am currently battling with myself, is: “Where else could I travel to during my semester? What other countries could I get to explore?” (ash, calm down and breathe for a hot minute). I hope to step back and instead admire the beauty and my opportunities in New Zealand first.
2. Spend more time outside: Along with admiring my surroundings, I want to take a break from my phone and laptop and spend more time taking in the scenery. Hopefully I will go for more walks/runs and find excuses to instead, go outside (maybe even combine the two and work on my laptop while at an outdoor cafe? hmmm).
3. Be wise about money: I didn’t find this one surprising since money is a stressful topic. For me personally, it is a lot of making sure I am working enough at home to save up for travel and school. I hope that with my new “planner” obsession, I will be able to track my spending more and keep an eye on what funds to keep aside for the weeks to come. On the other hand, I do love to treat myself, especially to a nice coffee; so for me, it will be important to find a balance between the two.
4. Gain connections both socially and in the field: I am not only traveling to New Zealand because I think it is an awesome place to visit, but I am for my future science carer (for a more in-depth reasoning of “why New Zealand” check  this out). I hope that with my planned research for my capstone project, I will able to secure connections in a country that has endless opportunities for a marine biology major. On the other hand, I hope to make some life-changing friendships with memories I can look back on for the rest of my life (awwwwww!).
5. Learn new techniques, specifically in research: Additionally, I aspire to pick up techniques and ways of thinking that I have yet to learn. With my hopefulness of conducting my own research one day, my excitement to learn will sure help me push through.
6. Step back & be proud of accomplishing a big dream of mine: It takes a lot in me to be proud of myself, I think that goes along with my first personal goal; I do not always step back and realize how far I’ve come. Studying abroad has been on my mind since first actualizing that it exists. Before enrolling into university, I thought it would be even cooler if it was possible to learn at a different school each semester. Although, now I realize that my idea isn’t actually practical. I am, in fact, very happy with my choice to get my undergraduate degree at the University of Maine.

I am looking forward to documenting my journey. All of the support so far has been amazing, so thank you.

Lots of love,