From Sweden to California

As a kid, people often referred to me as the kind, quiet and shy girl. I never caused anyone any trouble, always did what I was told and what everyone expected me to do. But I always felt like there was something missing. Like I was missing out on life. Life was boring. I later realized what was wrong: I was stuck inside of my comfort zone. What I needed was a real challenge.

During my last semester of the Swedish high school, this thought ran through my mind everyday. I saw this as a chance to do something crazy and unexpected. I was really scared – but I was determined. It was now or never! This was the perfect time to change my life.
What should I do to accomplish this mission?I needed to go somewhere abroad, on my own. I decided to go one year abroad and study in Santa Barbara
At first I was very doubtful. I thought it sounded insane. Would I ever be able to do such a thing? I applied for SBCC.
When I finally received my acceptance letter and my student visa, I had very mixed feelings. Most of all, I was really excited, but at the same time I was terrified. What had I given myself into?
Finally the day came for me to leave Sweden. I didn't know anyone in Santa Barbara. I could not be my old quiet and shy me if I wanted to get to know new friends. It was really tough for me but oh how it was worth it.
At the end of the semester I had a whole bunch of new friends I loved. They all had different exciting personalities They were all people who had been daring enough to go to Santa Barbara alone to start a new life. Together we did so many crazy things I will remember my whole life.
It was actually not until I came back to Sweden that I realized what a huge transformation this year in Santa Barbara had done to me. I was a new person filled with new experiences and excitement about life! I am now completely happy and confident enough to say that if shy and quiet me can go all by myself to America and create a new life from scratch – I can do anything I want!
If there is one thing I have learned from my time in Santa Barbara it would be this: to really live life to the fullest, you have to step outside that comfort zone of yours. If you never try then you’ll never know. What’s the worst thing that can happen? If you fail, at least you know you tried your hardest. And if you succeed I can assure you one thing: you will be rewarded with magic. As they say: magic is what happens outside your comfort zone.