First Time Out of America

Hello!

First, let me start off my introducing myself a little. My name is Caitlin Hartley, and I am a senior in the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. I love my school more than anything, and I’m profusely proud to be a Gator. I am minoring in French language, and have been taking French since middle school, which brings me to wear I will be traveling this summer.

On May 28 I will set out for Paris, France. This will be my first time leaving America (unless you count going to Canada for a few days once when I was very young, which I don’t). I am so immensely excited, I just might explode with happiness. It has always been a dream of mine to travel, and Paris has always been the No. 1 desitination on my list.

My older sister of two years, Mya, was lucky enough to experience Europe when she was a senior in high school. Her senior trip was spent in Englad and France, and she came back with so many great memories. I was so excited to have that same experience…I just needed to wait two years, and then I would be walking the streets of grand ole Par-ee! However, as soon as my sister graduated, my father got a new job, which meant moving to a new school, and no senior trip to Europe for me. Well, now instead of being a senior in high school, I’m now a senior in college, and instead of two weeks, I get 6!

I’ve never wanted something more, and I am so happy that my dream is finally coming true. I’ve got to say, while I’m overly excited for this trip of a lifetime, I would be lying to you if I wasn’t a littler nervous. This trip will be a lot of firsts for me. First time on a plane by myself, first time out of America, and the first time living with someone other than friends or family. However, I have emailed my host mother, and she seems very nice, and I’m very excited to meet her! I’m hoping to gain a lot of independence out of this trip. I’m hoping to grow as a person, as corny as that may sound! So, join me on my trip to the City of Lights! I will be writing as often as I can to let you know about my new experiences on this amazing adventure!