A Summer of Change

I've never liked change. It sounds cliche but it is certainly true. Change means some type of reform and I've always viewed it in a negative light. I'd prefer the simple date night of dinner and a movie with the boyfriend. My weekend ritual in college would be going out with friends Saturday or Friday nights. Each morning before class I'd stick to a latte to get me going, never trying anything different like tea or one of the crazy drinks offered by the Rez Quad.  However, once I truly had the chance to think about it, I've come to the realization my adventure has really just begun and it starts with a HUGE dose of change.

I originally started this blog to keep my friends and family updated about my life in Copenhagen, Denmark, hence the beautiful background in the blog of the city with its vibrant colors (and for those of you who know about my love of color, you can now see why I chose this magnificent city). This said, bear with me as I get used to the blogging thing. As the title suggests, my adventure has already started, regardless of the fact that I'm still physically in the United States. I leave in exactly one month. The mixture of my feelings includes some anxiety, a large amount of excitement, and a dash of uncertainty. In exactly one month I won't be packing up my entire room to drive the five or six hours to Medford. I'll be on a plane with only two suitcases and a backpack to last for four months (that's a big sacrifice for a girl).  I still have no idea as to where I am living or who I'll be living with. In fact, the only thing I know for sure are what classes I am taking. A month ago I was scared beyond belief about the concept of living in a foreign country for four months, away from my family and everything I know and love. However, as the date gets closer, I find myself wanting to know more and more about the rich culture of Copenhagen and how this significant change in my life is going to pan out.

As many of you know, I've been involved with a leadership program called Leaders for Life International since I was a little, innocent sophomore in high school. Through this program I've participated as a student and have had the amazing opportunity to counsel high school students and become close with other counselors. Last week I attended the banquet dinner for the program and got to catch up with a number of counselors and campers, some of whom I've never met. However, one individual in particular changed my perspective that day. Meg is a strong, small, graceful, intelligent, and spunky red-head who I met years ago. We were never "best friends" at camp, however, got to know each other better as counselors. Meg is not your typical twenty year-old college gal. She prefers chai tea and reading a good book on a gorgeous summer night, has a passion for helping young individuals follow their dreams, and knows every thing there is to know about Japan, her second home. She is kind but strong, quiet but determined, and has never been any one but herself, a quality I truly admire. As I told her about the fact that I'll be spending my junior year abroad in Copenhagen, her eyes widened with excitement and she gave me two bits of advice: 1. "Don't hold any expectations" and 2. Try everything...twice." Although I laughed with her and we spent a good deal of time catching up as opposed to mingling with every one around us, I realized how right she is and how Meg is a true testament to how beautiful change is. I was only a semi-counselor-in-training when I saw/met Meg. She was shy, hardly spoke, and did not seem to be very social. However, she has morphed into this beautiful, courageous, and motivated individual who has taught me about the allure of change and how to embrace it next year.

Change for me is inevitable next year. I won't be walking up the library steps to get to class each day. I won't be getting my caffeine fix from the nice ladies at Hotung who always smile at me as I leave or say "Here, Bella" as they hand me my drink. I won't be eating in Dewick or Carms or "Tisching it Up" with friends. While there are a lot of "wonts," I know there are certain to be a new number of "wills" as I venture out into the beautiful and magnificent city of Copenhagen. Those who know me well know that I'm close to my parents and three brothers and they're right on track to embracing change as well. For the first time in thirty years (yes, thirty), my parents will be without any child in the house a.k.a. "Empty Nesters."  Natey, my little brother and buddy is going where no Grosack has gone, to the good 'ol southern state of North Carolina to attend Wake Forest. Matthew is relocating to a new apartment in Miami and living on his own. And sweet Mikey is now happily engaged to my spunky and awesome future sister-in-law (both of whom are coming to visit Copenhagen in November...talk about a great family). Change is awesome, my friends and while it's different and new, it is amazing at the same time.

I plan on taking full advantage of my last full month in the States. That includes a trip down to New Jersey to visit the boyfriend and visiting the lovely city of New York,  a quick trip to Boston to say "See you later" to the place I've called home for the past two years (hopefully), cooking some delicious food, drinking some delicious drinks, becoming even more obsessed with Zumba, planning trips around Europe for the next year, getting to know my camera so I can take and post awesome pictures of Copenhagen, and relaxing with family and friends in good 'ol Upstate New York.  So, to whomever is going through change, be it relocating to a different country, or starting over in any aspect of your life, I applaud you. Change is a great thing. Embrace it and it will embrace you back.

Until Copenhagen!
LGro