When I look back on the last four years of high school, there are very few things I regret. All of the decisions I made helped me grow into the person I am today. There is one event however; I wish I could “do over.” I was given the opportunity to travel abroad and live in France with a family during the summer of my junior year, but it did not end up working out.
It was the opportunity of a lifetime, but I let it pass me by because of my lack of effort and responsibility. All I had to do was raise the necessary monies for the trip. I would have had the opportunity to perfect my French and experience and learn about French culture and way of life.
I started off strong, planning my budget and thinking of innovative ways to raise money. As time passed, I began to fall farther and farther from my goals. It was not long before my parents refused to let me participate because of my lack of commitment.
I respect my parents’ decision because I learned a great deal about responsibility, but I still wish that I put forth the effort needed to go on my trip from the beginning. Although I have learned about responsibility, commitment, and effort from my failed attempt to travel abroad, I wish I had the wherewithal from the beginning so I could have broadened my horizons and experienced a new culture.
