F l y i n g

 As an only child, I grew up being overprotected. My mother was always too careful with me so that I wouldn't get hurt, also that I wouldn't hang up with "bad kids" and be a "good girl". I was always under her watchful eye and her approval, so it was hard when I received the news that I had been accepted to the scholarship that would take me to the United States to study and live all by myself for a whole year. And there I am sitting in the airport lounge, crossing my legs repeatedly because I am nervous. My head is filled with thoughts like "this is my first time on a plane, my first time flying for so many hours, and my first time leaving the country." I'm doing all these things alone and I never imagined I would be able to do it. Once I set foot on the plane I knew my life was going to change forever. After a few weeks in Utah, I am no longer the girl who spent her weekends at home doing chores, now I am the girl who camps out with friends on a Saturday and cooks a barbecue on a Sunday. Now I'm the girl who goes to the gym, does her homework, and hangs out with cute boys while living the American dream. Thanks to that experience I found in myself the courage I thought I didn't have to explore the hidden bravery in me.