The Prospects of Next Semester

This past winter break I traveled to the Dominican Republic for a medical mission trip. For the first time in my life, I had traveled overseas and seen life in a Caribbean point of view. Starting January, I will begin living in Spain for four months. Umm…wow…

Excited? Yes. Nervous? Definitely. Scared? Never.

No one in my immediate family has ever had an opportunity like this. It’s so easy to become attached to William and Mary that the prospect of leaving Williamsburg for four months seems like torture. When I was a freshman, I didn’t even think about studying abroad for a semester. I had way too many friends, way too much work, and way too many events to miss. I mean…William and Mary is my life.

I’m sad that I will miss one of my closest friend’s wedding. I’m sad that I will miss seeing The Class of 2009 graduating. I’m sad that I will be away from some of the greatest friends I will ever have. I’m sad that I will not see my family for four months—but I realized something; life goes on. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime occasion. William and Mary has granted me an amazing opportunity that I can’t turn down. Once I graduate from college, my life will be more than classes and gaining credits to fulfill my major. I will have the chance to see England, France, Germany, Morocco, Italy, and countless other memorable places. My parents still aren’t warm to the idea of me living in Europe the whole spring semester, but I know that they will be ecstatic when they realized how much the trip has changed me.

To all students who have automatically shunned the idea of studying abroad for a whole semester, please reconsider. Every alum of William and Mary that I have talked to has regretted not studying abroad. So to the seniors, know that I will miss you immensely, but also know that I will come back a more knowledgeable person. Even though college will be over, life will not. Besides, Facebook and Skype work wonders.

Lamar Shambley, Class of 2010
Tour Guide