With my flight to Morocco not departing until the first of February and my classes in Chicago having finished mid-December, Iāve had WAY too much time to myself here in small-town Ohio. I was fortunate enough to have opportunities to travel while I was growing up here, but ever since I moved off to college I can barely stay put.
But really, can you blame me? The other day I told a nurse at my appointment for travel shots that I was going to Morocco for the semester, and she told me (and I quote) to ākeep an eye out for ISIS.ā First of all, I donāt even know what ākeeping an eye out for ISISā entails. Secondly, I got really frustrated. This wasnāt the first time Iād received a comment like this, and I knew it wouldnāt be the last. I feel guilty for dodging the question when people ask where Iām going and what Iām studying when they hear Iām going abroad. Itās not because Iām ashamed, but rather Iām running out of patience. I donāt know how many more times I can smile and nod politely while people (normally adults superior to me in some way shape or form) say horribly racist and bigoted things to me.
Itās true that people fear the things they donāt understand, and itās terribly upsetting. The reality is that these people likely wonāt go anywhere outside of their bubbles. I know not everyone is afforded the opportunity to study abroad for a semester, so, if anything, I want to be able to show people through my blog, stories, photos, etc. what other cultures have to offer and why they shouldnāt be feared.
Anyway, I digress, back to my point about me being all over the place 24/7.
This past year I have called many places home: my freshman dorm at Loyola in the spring, my auntās house in Chicago for a month as I was transitioning from the end of the semester to summer, my host momās apartment in Aix-en-Provence, France, my childhood home in Ohio with my parents for the short sporadic breaks during which I kindly reminded them that I was indeed still alive, and my sophomore dorm during fall semester back at Loyola. Soon, I can add my Moroccan host family to the list. Clearly, Iām not content without complete and utter (organized) chaos in my life. Itās refreshing after living in the same farm town for 18 years.
Even for this month-and-a-half-long break Iāve hardly sat still. As soon as finals ended, I packed up my bags (ha, actually it was one tiny backpack because Iām cheap and fly budget airlines that charge for anything other than a personal item) and I made my first trip out to the Rockies. My good friend from Loyola and her wonderful family hosted me for a week in Salt Lake City, Utah. Then, after a nice quiet Christmas at home in Ohio (the first time Iād been home in months since the last time I had first been home in months), I packed right back up for Washington D.C. to attend a conference and Chicago to say goodbyes to my friends and family there.
And as all of this happened, a New Year, 2016, and a new age, 20, were handed to me. And with these changes, I reflected on what I think and hope this year will hold.
I didnāt sign up to spend a semester in Rabat, Morocco because I think itāll be easy or vacation time. As much as I loved my summer studying in France, I craved something more challenging. Iām fully ready and capable of being pushed out of my comfort zone. Ever since I (kind of spontaneously) signed up for this upcoming semester Iāve gone through waves of āOMG THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST SEMESTER OF MY LIFEā and āWHAT ON EARTH WAS I THINKING IāM NOT MENTALLY PREPARED FOR THIS.ā I think both are accurate. And as crazy as it may sound, Iām excited to be scared, lost, and upset (easy for me to say now, stay tuned for my future blog post titled Scared, Lost, Upset and HATING Itākiddingā¦ sort of) But really, not to sound clichĆ© and pseudo-inspirational but itās true that the most enriching experiences make you uncomfortable. Itās because they challenge your identity and worldview. Not much of value comes easily.
I do have a few concerns before this all begins:
How far will my French and one semester of Arabic take me?
How do I dress in a way thatās both culturally appropriate and doesnāt have me drenched in sweat once it reaches 90+ degrees?
Is my 2-hour layover in Paris long enough to hunt down a CafƩ Paul and order at least 10 pain au chocolats to satisfy my cravings for the past 6 months?
The world will someday know.
So with that, Morocco, Iām ready.
Thanks for sticking with me through this lengthy first post. I promise much more exciting content and many adventures are to come!
Letās go! Yalla!

Camille Smith
<p>Assalamu Alaikum, Bonjour, Hello! I'm Camille and I'm currently in my second year studying Political Science and International Studies at Loyola University Chicago. I'm thrilled to be spending my semester in Rabat, Morocco and hope you all enjoy hearing about my journey! Expect bad puns and lots of pictures of food.</p>