All about me & my Pre-Departure jitters

HELLO there! 

My name is Ariel Christian Mitchell; I am 22 years old and I am from Monroe,Ga. I have currently graduated from North Georgia with an Associate of science degree in Pre-Nursing & General Studies. I have 4 other brothers & sisters, an amazing set of parents, and a wonderful man in my life. I'm a very adventurous person, I am in love with every type of music there is and I LOVE to try new things. This trip is going to be AMAZING!!!

Why IRELAND???

Considering i had a few months before going into nursing school i decided to join the study abroad program in Ireland. 
Ireland is and will always be "my place". As far back as I can remember i've dreamed of, fascinated over, & obsessed about how one day i would travel to Ireland and soak up everything it had to offer. I have no idea why i've had this need to see it for myself but for so long i've had this connection with wanting to travel and experience things on my on; and its finally coming true. My parents are a large part in me going on this trip. They have been there through it all and are the two biggest supporters in my life. Without them this trip may not have been possible; I love ya'll :D

The good & the bad 

I am so very excited to finally go somewhere far away from my own comfort zone; away from all of my friends and family and everything that I know. 
BUT this is also my biggest fear. 
I do not know a single soul going on this trip and I think the adrenaline rushing awesomeness of it all helps ease the fear of leaving home for the first time without a close friend or family member by my side. Another equally thrilling but terrifying event taking place on this trip is flying on a PLANE! I have been on cruises, hiked mountains, been out of the country.... but i have never ever been on a plane; and i'm absolutely terrified. 
I hoped to have someone close to me to calm my nerves but obviously that will not be the case, so if you see me acting like a complete loon please don't judge me ;) Leaving my boyfriend of 5 years is probably the most unsettling thing for me, I don't think we've been a minute apart since high school but were both very strong independent people..... 5 weeks in my dream country; I'm sure ill live. :D Even though there may be tons of sacrifices and scary emotions i know that this trip will forever change my outlook on life.

"Traveling is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown"