(Intro) Oh Wales, here we go...

(Two days before the big day...September 22, 2016)

My mom sits be down, "please don't go"

My heart skipped a beat, I held all my emotions in, if I broke down she would not let me leave. I reassured her and reminded her that this was an amazing opportunity, it did not make the emotions go down any less.

A few hours later we had a big goodbye dinner with family and friends.
My family friends assure me they will take good care of my family, and I trust them because I know that I have to.

Towards the end of the night, there's a toast, "Lorelee, you are going to have an amazing time. Take a lot of pictures, and be sure to e-mail us every so often. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many wish to do what you are about to do, don't let that go to waste. Work hard, but also play hard. We love you and we will be waiting here with open arms when you come back home."


I smile, look at my mom who looks genuinely happy and feel ready to go.
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"Hi, are you here for Swansea University?"

I nod, by now the sadness had worn off, excitement was setting in as well disbelief that I was really here.

I'm taken to my room, a whole lot bigger than the picture, and begin to settle in.

Wales looked like a village from a magazine, small, beautiful, my own little Stars Hollow.


The adventure was just beginning...