Two things that I've been told ad nauseum are 1) not to miss out on traveling to other countries while I'm young, because it's different once you're older, and 2) in the same vein, STUDY ABROAD because you will surely regret not studying abroad once you're out of college.

Because my four-year plan doesn't allow for studying abroad during the semesters, I decided to do so during one of my summers. I don't think it's any more hassle than deciding to vacation in Europe, which many people do; and it may even be less hassle because I don't have to worry about booking hotels, finding tour packages, etc. In fact, many things in life are a hassle, who are you to put down this one thing over another?

Hopefully, as many people are telling me, it will be worth it, and it'll be a life experience I'll treasure forever.

Besides, it means I have something meaningful and exciting to do with my summer, because if you know me at all, you know that sitting around doing nothing makes me hate myself.