An Open Letter to College Students on Their First Day

Congratulations. The time has come. 

Maybe you've been at this awhile. Maybe you're at square one, about to begin your freshmen year.

Perhaps you're reading this in your dorm room, or maybe you're at your parent's place, trying to save money because tuition is just too high. Maybe you're in an apartment, a sorority or fraternity house, your house (big kid status), a condo, a dumpster (desperate times)....whatever.

Maybe you're excited, picturing all of the possibilities that this next year might hold. 

Maybe you're pounding your head against the wall, because summer just wasn't long enough. 

Maybe you're scared. 

Or maybe...maybe you just feel old. You're in college. 

College. 

Kids born in 2000 are entering high school. WHAT IS LIFE?! 

Regardless of how you are feeling, you're about to begin. 

But...what exactly are you about to begin? 

Good question. 

For years you watched your siblings, neighbors, and friends go off to college. You saw the pictures on Facebook of their dorm rooms, their first football games as college students, their first college parties. You listened their stories and dreamed of what your experience would be like, and you eagerly waited your turn. 

Finally, your time came. You packed up the car. Kissed Mom and Dad goodbye. You found your classes, bought your books, and got ready to get an "education". 

But those books can only "educate" you so much. If you're new at this, you'll soon realize that your "education" extends far, far outside of the classroom. You may be "here for school"...but school can only get you so far. It can only grow you so much. 

Regardless of your year or experience, you're about to engage in a series of experiences that will shape you, change you, challenge you, and reward you in ways that you cannot begin to imagine. 

If you're about to begin your freshmen year, in four years, you won't recognize the scared/excited/confused kid now sitting in your dorm room. In just a few short months, maybe even weeks, that person will become a bit of a memory.

And that process isn't always easy. 

But it's worth it. 

I promise. 

Some days you'll just want to quit. Some days, you'll be so frustrated that you won't know what to do with yourself. 

There will be days when you will question every decision you have ever made, and days when you will yearn for a simpler, much less complicated existence. 

There will be days when you feel like you're the only person home alone on Friday night, because social media is blowing up with pictures of people having fun and you're painfully aware of the fact that you are not there.

But you won't be the only one home alone. 

I promise. 

And for every day you question why you are here, there will be a day, a conversation, a class, a moment that reminds you exactly why you came. 

Then it all makes sense. 

You didn't ask my advice, nor will I offer any. But if I had the chance to suggest something to you, here's what I would say: 

Don't just survive. Thrive. Your playing small does not serve the world. You're capable of great things, you just have to believe that you are.  

Find what you are passionate about, find what excites you, and do that. 

Make like Nike and just do it. 

Join a club. Change your major (seriously, everyone does, don't judge yourself for it, I changed mine literally two weeks ago). Minor in something that isn't practical and that makes people question your career goals. Do something that would have confused your high school self. Explore who you are, what you like, and what you want. The time is now. 

Go out even when you don't want to. If you're sleeping, you're missing something. So put yourself out there. Meet everyone, because you can learn something from everyone, and, dang it, everyone needs a friend right now--including you. 

Don't worry that much about the freshmen 15. Just walk to class and you'll be fine. 

Go to class. Please go to class. Just go to class. 

It's ok not to know what you are doing with your life. No one else does, either. Your older friends and siblings that you thought had it together? They didn't. It's all a lie. 

Try, even if you are convinced you'll fail. You'll still learn something from the experience. 

And, whatever you do--live this experience for that kid inside of you that would spend hours daydreaming about college. Do this, all of this, for them. Honor that memory, your memory, and the memories of the people that didn't get this experience or would give anything to go back and do it all again. 

You are competent. 

You are capable. 

And, most importantly....you are ready. 

Here's to future days, challenges, and triumphs. 

kendall 

Tips and Tricks for Travelers

I've been abroad for two months, right? I'm certainly no expert on traveling, and I sure as heck won't claim to be. I'll leave that to Rick Steves. 

He also has some good suggestions for traveling around Europe, but the locals still know better. 

But I do feel like I've learned some valuable travel tips that I figured I'd post to help friends and family prepare for trips abroad. I feel like half of my friends are studying abroad second semester (sniff sniff), so hopefully some of these will help someone! 

Transportation, Navigation, and Other -ations

1. Buy a Eurail Pass weeks before you go.

Seriously. 

Do it.

You can buy a Eurail Pass in Europe, but only at select locations--if you buy it a couple weeks before you go, then they'll send it to you in the mail and your life will be significantly easier. If you're a cheapskate like me, you'll freak out when you see the price, and you'll convince yourself that it has GOT to be cheaper to buy individual train tickets. 

And then you'll look up train tickets for your first excursion. 

And you'll choke. And you'll make your life that much harder trying to find a place where you can buy them in person.

Buying tickets individually can be brutal. Sometimes you can find deals (like I got from Hamburg back to Erfurt for 29 Euro), buuuut my train also left at 4:50 AM. And the flexibility of the Eurail pass is AWESOME, because you can just hop on a train--no reservation required (in most cases...France is a huge exception, beware. Regional trains can also get tricky, we had some issues going to Zermatt). 

If you buy individual tickets, you're locked in. If your train is delayed, aliens invade, etc., you're screwed. With the Eurail, you can travel anywhere you want in a 24 hour period. I had the 4 country pass, with Germany, Switzerland, France, and Austria, and I bought 6 days of travel in 2 months for 319 Euro. Sounds pretty pricy, right? 

Let's do the math. 

Salzburg, Austria to Erfurt, Germany: 99 Euro

Erfurt to Zermatt, Switzerland: 122 Euro

Zermatt to Erfurt: 122 Euro

Munich, Germany to Vienna, Austria: 91 Euro

Vienna, Austria to Erfurt: 170 Euro

Erfurt to Hamburg, Germany: 89 Euro

All told, I would have spent 693 Euro on train tickets alone. I got all of those trips for 319. 

I SAVED 374 EURO. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH SCHNITZEL THAT IS?!

In short: Eurail. It's worth it. 

2. Speaking of trains, download the "Railplanner" app

It shows you all of the train time tables without WiFi--just plug in your destination and where you want to go, and you're set. 

That way, if/when you've missed your train, you can figure out the next one to take. 

Because WiFi is tough to come by in Europe, even though it is considered by some to be a basic need.

3. And one more note about trains...always use the bathroom on the train. 

Or the plane. 

Or the boat. 

Or the bus. 

Because on the train, plane, boat, bus, you don't have to pay for the bathroom. Everywhere else, you most likely have to pay. And if you are fundamentally against paying to use the restroom (like me), then go before you get there. 

4. Speaking of planes, beware some of the cheap Ryanair, EastJet flights. They can be great, but they can also take off from random airports that you didn't know existed, and they can be really strict on luggage requirements. Make sure to check all of that before you go so they don't charge you extra when you get there. 

5. Don't be afraid to travel alone. I think you should go alone, at least part of the time. Here's a blog about that. 

6. When it doubt, bitch face it out. 

Should you be on this bus without a ticket? 

Nope. 

Are you kinda lost trying to find your hostel? 

Yep. 

Slap a "bitch face" on,  described as a facial expression that appears to be a strange mix of confidence, annoyance, boredom, and don't-mess-with-me. No one will question you or attempt to take advantage of you, because you look like you know what you're doing. 

7. If you're lucky enough to have a home base like I did, do laundry before you travel. That way, it'll be dry when you come home, and you won't have to try to dry your hair with a wet, just washed towel after a shower. Clothes dryers aren't a thing, or if they are, it's another expense. 

8. Also before traveling to a new city, Google what musical artists will be in town. I missed Backstreet Boys in Vienna (WAH). I got to see Ellie Goulding in Hamburg (made up for missing BB). Do your research, it pays off! 

You know what else "pays" off? SAVING MONEY (cuz you're probably broke like me) 

9. EAT IN 

When I'm in Erfurt (my home base), I eat in. I walk a mile or so to the store, buy 12-15 euro worth of groceries, and I'm set--three meals everyday for four days, give or take. That's about 3, 3.75 euro a day. 

The cost of the Starbucks you're drinking? Food for a day. 

It's awesome. 

10. Always have balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, and hot chili flakes around to cook with. Limitless options, people. 

11. When you do eat out, bring a water bottle with you and keep it under the table. You have to pay for water in Europe, and, yes, it if often times more expensive than beer. You may feel silly and the waiters may totally judge you when you say you don't want anything to drink, but you can save 3-5 euro--and that's worth the weird look. 

12. You're gonna judge me for this one. 

I judge me for this one. 

But...always have a Ziplock bag with you, in your purse or your backpack. 

Have bread on the table? 

Throw it in the Ziplock. That could be another meal. 

Hostel has free breakfast in the morning (side note, always stay at a hostel with breakfast included)? Pack a lunch in that Ziplock. 

Keeps your food fresh and crumbs out of your journal. 

It's a win win. 

And reuse the bag! Ziplocks are hard to find! Bring a couple with you, get all different sizes!

13. Always say you are a student when you are paying for a tour, or paying to enter a church, museum, etc. ALWAYS say you are a student, and have your student id on you. 

Because as a student, you aren't a kid. 

But you aren't an adult. 

And therefore, they take pity on you and your broke self and give you discounts. It's great. 

14. When you do have to spend money, get a credit card with a chip in it before you go. Europe uses them, the States will eventually go to them...just get one. If you can, get a travel card that doesn't have international bank fees. Those bank fees...they will kill you. Literally. Apply for a card early, so that way if you're denied, you can reapply with your parents cosigning, that may help increase your chances.

15. If you're staying in hostels, most will make you pay for towels or a lock for your locker. Ergo, bring your own towels and your own lock. If it's a combination lock, remember the combination...or else you could have a really, really bad day. 

Speaking of hostels.... 

Don't. Just...don't. 

16. STAY IN THEM. Hostels are a wonderful place to meet people traveling around and doing the same thing you are. There, you can get awesome travel tips and recommendations, and often you'll leave with a new friend or two. The thought of sleeping in a room with 11 other people can be totally intimidating, but there are so many different options--some all girl, some mixed, all ranging in size from one person to 12. They are so worth it, I promise. 

17. Meet everyone in the hostel. People want to talk....just some people are really, really scared to introduce themselves. Be the freak that breaks the ice. A warm introduction can go a long way. That, and just because you don't hear them speaking English doesn't mean they don't speak English. Try. Ask if they do. Introduce yourself anyway. I had an awesome conversation with a girl from Russia done almost entirely in charades. You make it work. 

18. On that note, bring a phrase book. You legitimately have no idea who you will meet, or what language they will speak, or where they will be from. It's so cool. Do your best to greet and thank people in their own language. It means so much to people that you are willing to try. 

19. Use HostelWorld to find your hostels, and review the hostel after your stay. Read the reviews to figure out what's best for you--they are usually spot on. 

20. Practice putting duvet covers on. Because it can get complicated. And that is how you make your bed in hostels. That's it. 

21. Get a bed bug guard before you go. Lightweight, comfy cozy, and you can sleep well knowing nothing will eat you in the night. 

Bed bugs bed bugs, whatcha gonna do...

22. Have a flashlight for early mornings and late nights. Hostel etiquette basically states "Do NOT wake up anyone else EVER for any reason". Therefore, lights stay off. If you have a flashlight, your life gets much easier. Get up when your alarm goes off the first time.  

23. If you have one, bring a power strip. You'll be the hero of the hostel when there is one electrical outlet for 12 people. 

24. On that note, BRING SHOWER SHOES. You may be totally impressed by these people and their life experiences, but you don't know where they've been. Jussayin'. 

25. If you judged me for #12, you'll laugh at me for this one. 

But I mean it. 

Bring business cards (I had them left over from TOG stop laughing at me...). 

You meet incredible people while abroad, and you may want to keep in touch with some of them. Give them your business card--then, they can find you on Facebook, shoot you an email, text you when you're back in the states, or find you on LinkedIn (I know, I know, that only happened once, I laughed). But do it, it really does work out well. 

NOT a business card I received, but I totally endorse this. 

26. Accept that, in a hostel, social norms go out the window. When you have people from various parts of the world all sleeping in the same room, everything goes. People will sleep naked. Some shouldn't sleep naked. Just go with it. 

Speaking of things going out the window... 

27. Usually, if you don't know what something is, you might not eat it. 

Stop that. 

Especially when it comes to döner kabob. 

Just go for it. 

Don't question it. 

Make like Nike and Just Do It.

And speaking of things you should just do.... 

28. Bring more t-shirts than you think you'll wear. You don't want to do laundry. You don't have time for laundry. Bring more plain, regular old t-shirts to hang out in, because looking cute all the time is overrated.  

29. Bring Febreze for Fabrics for when you don't want to do laundry and you don't want to smell. Rewearing clothes is unavoidable, smelling is avoidable to an extent.  

30. When you do do laundry, bring laundry detergent from home, so you can smell like home--it's comforting. And so you don't accidentally buy fabric softener thinking it's detergent because you can't speak/read the native language. 

31. Bring a small collapsable fan for hot days. Air conditioning isn't a thing. 

32. Have a little umbrella with you at all times. Rain starts spontaneously and sometimes doesn't stop. 

33. Download Disney Movies Anywhere before you leave. Netflix and other video sites don't work abroad (unless you use hidemyass.com or some other potentially illegal service), but Disney Movies Anywhere does, and works on your iPhone, iPod, iPad, and computer. It's great when you need a night in.

Hehehe.

34. Cortizone 10 cream is like Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Weird bug bite? Cortizone cream. Some sort of rash on your arm? Cortizone cream will take care of it. Bring some.  

35. If you love peanut butter, bring peanut butter. Peanut butter as you know peanut butter isn't a thing across the pond. 

36. Bring something that gives you a little confidence boost when you're homesick, or stressed, or thinking that you are totally incapable of succeeding in a foreign country. For me, it was a card from my mom. It made all the difference on tough days. 

And, finally....if you want to see the world, do it. There are so many avenues and ways to get to go abroad, some you might not have thought of. Here are two that I've come across by talking to people:  

37. Workaway.info. Trade a few hours of honest work for free accommodation and food. It's a legitimate thing, with reviews from workers and hosts. Then, you're only responsible for paying for your travel to and from. It's been highly recommended to me! 

38. Take an Au Pair year. 

In the US, it's not really a thing. But here, I've met a ton of kids that have done/are doing it. You work as a nanny/caretaker for a host family for a year. They feed you and give you a place to stay, and in exchange you take care of the kids. Your only cost is your travel. 

Well, this post was way longer than I anticipated...but, I hope it helps somebody as they prepare to go abroad. If you have any questions...holla at yo girl. 

Wander onwards, 

kendall 

Seven Stages of Study Abroad

You've heard of the Seven Stages of Grief:

(Also how they looked when Manziel went pro) 

Well, I think study abroad experiences also have seven stages, give or take.

1. Absolutely Joy

Leo. Swoon. 

YOU MADE IT! 

You got on the plane. You got off the plane. You crossed boarders and maybe an ocean and maybe you even got a stamp on your passport (but probably not because no one does that anymore...). You may be exhausted and feel gross from traveling, but it doesn't matter--you're in a foreign country, and you're about to have the time of your life. 

But then you experience....

2. Total Confusion

Because you walked outside of the airport.
Or maybe you're still in the airport, and it's just that bad.
And you hit a brick wall of utter confusion.

What you look like. For about 36 hours.

You know where you're supposed to go...but you're not sure how to get there. 

And you know you need food...but what exactly are you ordering? 

And what is the exchange rate again? How much are you spending on this cappuccino?! 

And so the questions begin. 

And never end. 

And then you think...

3. I can't do this/I CAN DO THIS

If you haven't seen Tangled...you need to. Because scene shows the exact spectrum of emotions you go through while studying abroad. Seriously. 

Ah, yes, the emotional roller coaster. Some hours/days/weeks, you'll go from elated to frustrated to miserable to joyful to content and back again. And that's only the beginning.

There comes a moment when you seriously ask yourself what the heck you were thinking, flying half way around the world to live for a couple of months.

But then, there comes a moment when you are able to give yourself a quality answer.

And you remember why you came. And why you have loved it, even when you hated it.

And this happens. Multiple times.

But all you know is that you are...

4. Never coming home

And no one can make you. 

You can confidently walk into a grocery store and get what you need. 

You can order food in the native language, and you can kinda read a menu. 

You've made friends with the locals, and you've mastered the art of public transportation and hostel living. 

You rock that bed bug guard, and you're able to give quality travel advice to those that ask. 

You've even stopped converting the local currency to US dollars, because, well, YOLO. 

I'M NOT LEAVING AND YOU CAN'T MAKE ME! 

Although visas can and will expire and then you may want to consider heading back...

But then you realize... 

5. You just want a burger. And maybe a hug.

You've been gone a long time, and you're starting to see pictures of your friends together on social media. 

And you aren't there. 

But you can't complain, because you're in a foreign country living the dream. And they are at home, doing home stuff. 

But...home is starting to sound nice. 

And you kinda get tired of not knowing what people are saying around you and to you. 

And maybe...maybe staying in a hostel with 11 other people is getting a little old.

And then you start to read Buzzfeed articles like this....and then Chipotle sounds freaking awesome.

But you want to keep adventuring. And you want to stay. And you feel guilty for missing home.

But you also just really want a hug from your mom. 

And you kinda wish your friends could be with you. 

And a quality burger sounds really, really good. Because 'Merica does know a thing or two about burgers. And you kinda miss 'Merica, if you're totally honest.  

But then you get a....

6. Second Wind

And you never want this experience to end.

You're hanging out with new friends, you're adventuring constantly, and meeting the coolest people out there. You have so much to see, and so much to do before you leave, and you're looking at the calendar and you can't believe how quickly time has passed. And you need more time, you're desperate for more time. 

Because you are in another country, AND YOU ARE HAVING THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! 

But then you realize...

7. You have a week left

And you have to say goodbye to your new friends.
And you start making plans to visit your favorite ice cream shop one last time.
And you start to get a little chocked up when you think about getting on the plane to go home.  

Because...this place has become a part of you. You've changed, and you don't want to lose the person you've become.

And you don't want the adventures to stop.
And real life....the real world...is just plain unappealing. Because life and school (real school) and responsibility is about to come flying at you like a banshee and you are not ready for it.

You're excited to see friends back home, but you find yourself already fantasizing about your next trip abroad...because once you've been bit by the travel bug, there's no going back. There is so much to see, and so little time...and you're ready to do what it takes to make it across the pond again.


I have one week left.
I'm gonna go grab some ice cream.
And some tissues.

kendall