Me, my suitcases, and the empty sidewalk. Hello Perth! Photo provided by Julia Guttenfelder

44 days ago I disembarked the last plane of my three flight journey from Minneapolis, MN, to Perth, Western Australia. I experienced a very warm welcome into a city titled “the world’s most isolated” with a population of 2.3M spread out 150 km along the coast of the Indian Ocean. It's so out there, the closest major city is literally Bali.

I had heard rumors that Perth was quiet but I was still shocked to find that my flight seemed to be the only group of people in the entire airport. I hauled my three suitcases (I over packed, I know) out into the blazing sun, and waited for my Uber. The sidewalk was all mine and you'd probably be able to see my ‘I Heart Coogee Beach’ shirt from a mile away. SMH tourists.

Twenty minutes later, I was standing outside of my new flat complex, completely unsure of what to do. Where do I check in? Where are all of the people?

There were definitely living things surrounding me, none of which were human. Songs of birds I had never heard before chirped above my head. Google Australian raven call, you’ll laugh.

My phone wasn't working — of course — and besides the squawking raven, everything was so quiet. Nobody to ask for help, nobody to call, so I just sat and waited. I was alone and surprisingly, unafraid, soaking up the warmth.

Unlike most people who choose to study abroad, I wasn't dying to go, in fact I didn't originally even plan to go.

I’d never been one to do things alone. Even moving two hours to Duluth was a huge adjustment. So what called me to journey not just anywhere, but to the most isolated city in the world… all by myself?

The whole process was unexpectedly easy. I just started applying in an unserious, I’m not actually going to do this sort of way, then suddenly I was flying across the globe! Funny right?

There were many things pulling me to stay: strong friendships, connections I was building in my degree, supporting neighbors during a time of hardship, fear of change, and most of all, the fact that it terrified me. This fear also happened to be the thing that pushed me onto that plane.

Saying yes to discomfort.

It's been 44 days since I arrived in Australia. It's been both super scary and insanely awesome. Here are some things that have happened because I said yes:

Got on a plane alone for the first time. Met Elon Musk’s alleged ex girlfriend? (Don’t ask.) Befriended my polar opposite flat mate. Bought a bike. Went to a music festival with two strangers who would soon become good friends. Saw Rob Irwin do the worm. Enrolled in one of the most interesting journalism classes of my life. Attended orientation events and found the divers club. Got my scuba certification. Swam through a school of fish. Hiked 12k and swam in the sunset with people I met that day. Saw a koala and so many kangaroos. Went to a Brazilian carnival. Tried cheddar cheese vodka. Joined a swim team. Signed up for a 12k (I'm not a runner). And my newest excitement, planning a bike trip across New Zealand.

In only 44 days I've met amazing people from Belgium, Bangladesh, South Korea, Canada, Pakistan, Germany, Peru, Singapore, India, and of course, Australia. I’ve had so many unfamiliar experiences, done heaps of backflips into the ocean, and even picked up some Aussie lingo. I’ve learned about the world, learned about myself, and I'm not even halfway through my journey.

The Yes Theory suggests that seeking discomfort and saying yes despite fear can significantly improve quality of life. It’s easy to fall into routines and remain within a familiar space — our comfort zones. By purposefully stepping out of that zone you enter a vulnerable state, this is where the most experience and growth can happen.

Learning self dependence is a huge part of growing up. Saying yes and stepping completely out of my comfort zone was the way I chose to do it.

I'm not saying you need to get on a plane and fly across the world (You actually probably 100% should… check out the study abroad office in 138 Kirby Plaza).

But seriously, it can be much simpler than that. The next time an opportunity arises that you would normally turn down, consider saying yes and notice what happens, it might just be the most awesome, life changing thing ever.

That can be some homework. See you soon!

Saying Yes to Fear: Studying Abroad in Perth