When I first landed in Paris for my study abroad program, I had no idea how much it would change me. It was my first time leaving the country by myself, and even though I wasn’t exactly scared, the anxiety was real. Juggling last-minute exams, travel planning, and not knowing what to expect made me feel like I was just barely keeping up. I only knew my fellow students from an Instagram group, and while seeing their names and faces online helped a little, the truth was, we were all strangers navigating a new city together. Arriving that first evening, everything felt foreign. The airport was smaller than I imagined, the streets looked straight out of a movie, and suddenly everything was in French. We stayed at the Cité University dorms, and instead of having regular classrooms, we had lessons outside on the terrace or under the trees. It was beautiful, but also threw me off, and I found myself sticking close to other Americans, especially the girls who spoke French with more confidence. Simple things like ordering food or asking for directions made me nervous I’d have to point at the menu or just hope someone spoke English. Every day felt like a mini test.
At some point, though, it hit me that I only get one chance to be twenty in Paris. I didn’t want to waste it by playing it safe, just tagging along with the group or letting fear hold me back. The turning point was when I decided to go shopping alone for a flowy white skirt I kept seeing around the city. My phone’s maps barely worked, my battery was draining fast, and I worried about getting lost, but I went for it. That small act of independence felt huge. It was a little scary, but it was also exciting, and afterwards, I started to crave those moments where I challenged myself to do more on my own. The more I explored solo, whether it was finding a new café, navigating the metro, or just wandering through a park, the more I felt myself growing up. I learned to be resourceful, to handle setbacks calmly, and to find joy in getting a little lost. I started noticing the unique rhythms of Paris, how people dressed so effortlessly, how the city seemed to glow in the evenings, and how everyone made time to enjoy the little things.
One of my favorite discoveries was the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, a spot I stumbled into and instantly loved. I never saw myself as a big reader, but being in that store, picking up books that actually interested me, made me realize maybe I just hadn’t found the right stories yet. It’s funny how a place can change your perspective. Looking back, I’m proud of how much I grew in just a few weeks. Paris taught me that real growth happens when you face your fears, even if it’s something small like speaking up in a new language or navigating a city on your own. I left feeling more independent, more confident, and excited to take on new challenges wherever life takes me next. If there’s one thing I’d tell anyone thinking about studying abroad or taking a big leap, it’s this: don’t let fear or self-doubt keep you from making memories. You never know how much you can grow until you step out and try.
