Montserrat is a gorgeous mountain that sits one hour from Barcelona. Many people go to hike or take the cable car up to catch the beautiful view. During my semester in Barcelona, I hiked Montserrat with some friends and though it was one of my most challenging experiences, it put studying abroad in a different perspective for me.
This poem was written as encouragement for anyone whether you are studying abroad or not to simply keep going because there is something beautiful destined for you on the other side. You just have to keep going to see it!
there is an excitement about uncertainty
you feel joy, bliss, and a bit of fear
in a good way
you have seen the pictures, the videos
everything through someone else’s lens
but YOU have not experienced it for yourself yet
expectation.
you have arrived at your destination
at least you think so
still full of excitement
and a bit of curiosity
overwhelmed with the beauty of the new
the beginning.
the first step
the real test of character
the decision.
ten minutes
still full of excitement
and a bit of curiosity
but now
adversity has made its entrance
fatigue
fear
comparison
challenges.
rivals
since the beginning of time
doubt v. hope
you are designed to win
but a win is determined by its beholder
one hour
excitement depleted
is this my loss?
rivals
since the beginning of time
doubt v. hope
I encountered a man with his daughter
he asks
“que idiomas prefieres”
“ingles”
I respond
impact is a game changer
one person
one event
one message
and his was
“The worse thing you can do is stop. You have to keep moving because if you stop, it’ll be a lot harder to keep going. Instead, it’s okay to slow down, just don’t stop moving.”
support.
drive is
a crazy thing
impact’s best friend
and mine was
his message.
the last step
the true grade of character
a win determined by its beholder
an experience through my lens
the real beauty
appreciation for the journey
confirmation.
you have arrived at your destination
this time, I know