Just do it

PD's Southeast Asia semester popped up on my computer after a long search of looking through gap semester programs in the summer of 2014 and there was one space left. I took the biggest leap of faith I have ever taken and signed up and that was by far the best decision of my life. Still almost 2 years later I think about the trip almost daily and how much I miss it. The places we went and the things we saw were so eye-opening culturally and as a foodie, I was in a constant state of wonder and daze with the amazing street food and availability of a variety of options. The people we encountered were some of the most inspiring individuals that opened my eyes to true hard work, passion and love. At first when I left for my trip I was terrified because I am from a small town in Maine and wouldn't have considered myself at all adventurous or outdoorsy. On the long flight to Thailand I accepted the nervousness I felt and harnessed that into an excitement and a thrill that was only exceeded infinitely once I arrived. The group became my family and my closest friends after mere days and waking up every day, even after long travel days felt like a breath of fresh air and a new experience. Since the trip I have gone back to school to finish my degree and I still crave this feeling all the time- pure magic. I not once felt unsafe or like just a participant in a program- I always felt like a world traveler, and most importantly I really developed into my true self. Everyone in the group, which is common for gap year kids, didn't really know where we fit in life and we all had some impediment or anxiety back at home that was keeping us from our true selves. The intense bonding familial experience of PD was the most healing and therapeutic experience I have ever been a part of and I would beg for anyone to take the chance and pay the money to live the same experience that I did. I treasure the memories that I made traveling, singing made up camp songs, exhausted on long hikes with amazing views, watching the stars in Laos, sipping on refreshing smoothies, riding tuk-tuks and laughing our heads off. This is truly in my opinion the best opportunity out there for anyone who wants pure happiness, discovery, friendship, love, food, sunshine, joy, curiosity, and to find themselves as a person, as cliche as that sounds. I am certain that my semester with PD will be one of the best memories of my entire life and I assure you that the risk of uncertainty and going outside of your comfort zone will be the best decision you ever make. Just do it!