From Home to Ottawa: Navigating Pre-Departure Stress, Anxiety, and Excitement

 

So, I'm about to embark on this wild adventure to Ottawa, and let me tell you, the pre-departure jitters are real. But hey, why not turn these nerves into a comedic saga? Buckle up, folks, because we're diving into the rollercoaster of emotions that come with leaving home and heading off into the great unknown.

Let's start with the classic: fear of flying. Picture me, clutching onto the armrests for dear life, while silently praying to the aviation gods for a smooth ride. Usually, I have a trusty hand to hold onto during takeoff and turbulence, but this time, I'm flying solo. Who knows, maybe there'll be a cutie sitting next to me to distract me from the impending doom of mid-air bumps and jolts. Fingers crossed!

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the faculty strike. Oh boy, talk about adding a twist to trip preparations! It's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle—exciting, but also a bit nerve-wracking. But hey, I've decided to embrace the chaos, roll with the punches, and maybe invest in a stress ball or two.it doesn't actually impact my trip in any tangible way. But hey, anxiety doesn't always play by the rules of logic, does it? It's like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces—frustrating, to say the least. The uncertainty of not knowing what's happening back home adds an extra layer of stress to the pre-departure chaos.

With that in mind I can't help but keep in mind I am representing my school and department. No pressure, right? On one hand, I'm usually bursting with school spirit. However, there's a nagging sense of cognitive dissonance lurking in the shadows, because of the aforementioned strike. There is  a weird conflict between wanting to showcase the best of what my institution has to offer and feeling a sense of loyalty to those who make it all possible., I'm embracing this cognitive dissonance as a reminder of the complexities of human experience. I may not have all the answers, but I'm committed to approaching this journey with an open heart and a willingness to learn and grow.

Amidst all the nerves and chaos, there's a spark of excitement in the air. The thrill of exploring a new city, meeting new people, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It's like being handed the keys to a treasure chest full of adventures, and I am more than ready to unlock every single one. I just have to set some realistic expectations. Because let's face it, no trip goes off without a hitch. So, here's to embracing the unexpected, rolling with the punches, and laughing in the face of adversity. Ottawa, here I come—quirks, fears, and all!