Oops I… Moved to Paris

moved to Paris

You could blame it on my restless personality, my tendency to disappear, or my persistent urge to pursue new adventures, but it seems that none of my dreams center around staying put for too long. 

I knew once I graduated college a year early that I didn’t want to stay in the same place. I had always wanted to live in a different country and that, coupled with my self-diagnosed restless wanderer syndrome intersected perfectly and launched me abroad. I’ve never been one to run from change. I embrace it with open arms.

So many conversations with friends revolve around traveling and taking adventures together and taking a big leap; it is only once I’ve leapt that I realize that I’m the only one who jumped. Is this a reckless and self-destructive tendency or an inspiringly daring characteristic? Who knows? Let’s not go down a deep and slightly depressing path though, it was this same condemned adventurous nature that brought me to Paris.

Is this a reckless and self-destructive tendency or an inspiringly daring characteristic? Who knows?

The need to go

I knew that I wanted to come to France primarily because it had been a nagging goal of mine to finish college with 3 languages under my belt; Spanish, English, and French. I already speak English and I actually improved my Spanish significantly in college but I hadn’t gotten around to French. Suddenly equipped with an opportunity to challenge the pre-written script of my life, I knew what I had to do. I applied to Masters programs in Paris, Lyon and even Lisbon, desperate to change my trajectory. I told only my closest people about my plans, choosing instead to disappear and reappear in a different place. Fortunately, I got into my top school. I quickly started preparing to uproot my life: narrowing my wardrobe, packing bags, saying goodbye to my closest friends. My last day in the States, coincidentally also my birthday, was spent celebrating with friends and family.

Today, it has been more than 6 months since I moved abroad and I can confidently say that it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made. Navigating new social circles, learning a challenging language, pursuing a Master’s degree, and expanding my perceptions via the global perspective of my friends are all part of the daily bread of living in Paris. It is my firm belief that you evolve as a person by accepting life’s challenges and putting yourself in new situations and environments. Imagine all of the different parts of you that you’ll meet if you try. I’ve met the part of me that can navigate three languages, put herself in challenging situations, and is adaptable and confident. Keep following along and you’ll meet her too.

Say YES to new adventures.