Why Not Now

Apostilles, background checks, letters of proof for this and for that… it’s easy to get caught up in the process, right? My name is Abby Arant, and I am a recent graduate from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish International Trade. During this season of preparation, I have realized how I am continuously thinking about what’s NEXT. What is next in line to do, and what if I forget a step? When will my VISA be ready, and what if it isn’t available in time? Where will my apartment be located, and what if it is a stretch from my school placement? The questions, “what-ifs”, and thoughts are never ending!

Our society as a whole places a strong emphasis on what is to come. So, “what-if” our society placed another strong emphasis on what is NOW. I am not trying to romanticize this VISA process… because believe me, there is nothing to romanticize about stressful nights planning, organizing, and mailing! Instead, what if we started focusing on the fact that this present day of ours is all a step in the right direction? A direction that will have us living and working in SPAIN, renting an apartment in the center of Madrid, and bringing our insight on American culture and the English language to numerous schools in just a few weeks!

As much as I am thinking of and looking forward to the upcoming future, I am learning to love this present as well. This present of waiting and waiting and waiting, I believe there is some beauty to it! So soak up these last few weeks at home, with your family and friends, because now is beautiful...  it just looks different from what is to come!