故事:机场事故 & 去哥斯达黎加途中的感恩

It was time to get out of my own comfort zone and venture out to the great outdoors. Even if those “great outdoors” were thousands of miles away. 

对我来说, going abroad presented an opportunity to embrace a different culture from the inside, 而不是从远处看. 回来 at home, I remember pondering the fact that there is so much out there! A total of 195 countries, to be exact, that were worth exploring. 现在, being a 学生 and having this broad vision of exploration, it isn’t always easy. 然而, thanks to very supportive friends and advisers, I was able to put a plan into action. 

Walking into my first 宝博体育 meeting was exhilarating. There were alumni 学生s who came in and expressed their immense passion for travel. This continued to fuel the fire for my curiosity. After the meeting, I made an appointment with my advisers instantly. Going in, I didn’t have a set destination. 然而, we did a lot of pros/cons and yeas/nays, which allowed 哥斯达黎加 to stand out from the rest. After deciding upon a destination, the countdown began!  

*Cue three months' worth of countless research and working hours* 

时间终于来了!  

I was a day away from boarding a 飞行 to 哥斯达黎加.  

现在, 给那些不知道的人, I would highly recommend bringing two suitcases total (carry-on + one piece of luggage). Prior to my arrival, I was beyond nervous about whether two bags would be two many or too few. I'm here now to say that two bags is perfect!  

I did encounter one major setback at the airport, which had much to do with my carry-on.  

因为我不经常旅行, I didn’t initially know all the safety precautions regarding carry-ons, including the rule about no more than 3 Fl. oz. 瓶.  

This minor problem of packing my shampoo and conditioner in my carry-on bag resulted in me missing my 6 a.m. 飞行! 

有一次我跑进了安全区域, I had to go back in line two different times in an effort to get my bag cleared. A solid 30 minutes passed during this ordeal due to the high volume of fellow travelers checking in. 因此，我错过了航班! 

At first, I laughed, then broke down. I didn’t think I was going to make it to 哥斯达黎加, and better yet, 宝博体育! All these negative thoughts scrambled into my head.  

A cupcake -- yes, a cupcake -- saved the day. A 飞行 attendant noticed I was upset so she brought me this treat and shared kind words with me, expressing her apologies for the mishap.  

Guiding me to customer service, she booked a ticket for me on the next 飞行 to 哥斯达黎加. With a huge smile and a pat on the back, she wished me luck for my travels and told me all would be well, and to just "keep on going; you will get there."

Those simple words restored my hope and confidence for my adventures ahead.  

换句话说, 即使遇到挫折, 主修或辅修, stay hopeful -- for there have been people in those same exact shoes who are eager to help. 

The cupcake that may not have saved my 飞行, but sure did save the day.