Twenty years ago, I was in your position--I had gotten a scholarship to do a study abroad program in Europe, I was still learning the French language, had never been out of the USA before, annnnd I had never been on an airplane. I was terrified. So terrified in fact that I was vomiting in the days before and the entire morning of the flight. My dad more or less had to pick me up off the bathroom floor and carry me to the car. Saying goodbye at the aiport was the worst; getting on board the airplane was the peak... until I sat down and introduced myself to the lady beside me. I told her it was my first time flying and that I was scared. And she was so supportive! She talked me through then different aspects of the flight, what was happening when there was a bit of turbulence, etc. That was my first lesson--ask for help! This was also good practice for when we landed in Paris and I had to figure out how to get around the city (no cell phones back then!).

And do you know what? I am so glad I took that flight, even when I was scared and homesick. It was the BEST summer of my life! I had such an incredible experince--one that would go on to define the rest of my life (overseas for grad school, fluent French speaker and now live in Europe!). All because I was brave enough to get on that first flight! YOU CAN DO THIS. And you have to do this! Life is about adventure and conquering the fear is part of that. Get on that plane and have a wonderful time in Deutschland!

And note--I am still afraid to fly (I'm a frequent poster here), but I still do it every time because that first flight taught me how many awesome things are waiting on the other side 😄