Studying Abroad is not what you see on social media.

In Copenhagen, Denmark, I had the most wonderful four months of my life. However, studying abroad wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. I've seen many friends' study abroad posts on social media, which showcases the highlights of the experience. But, especially if you're from somewhere small like Hawaii, it can be a little overwhelming at times and you can wonder if you're doing your experience "wrong" because it doesn't look like the highlight reel you've seen on your friends Instagram.

But that's the beauty in studying abroad- being constantly outside of your comfort zone. I lived by myself for the first time, cooked and grocery shopped for myself for the first time, went to in person school for the first time in two years after being online for my entire college experience thus far, among many other challenging firsts. That's the kind of stuff you don't see on social media, but it's truly the things that make you personally develop more in a matter of months than in the last few years.

In short- your comfort zone will kill you. In the case of studying abroad, you are also just limiting yourself and wasting the opportunity to try things (maybe you'll embarrass yourself, but it's not like any in that country will ever see you again!) that will ultimately help you realize what you like and don't like and who you are as a person.

Life's short and study abroad is even shorter. Take risks.