Nine days, 

That was all. 

It seems so silly now,

To be fearful of leaving home for slightly more than a week,

But those nine days 

Were in a different state, 

With new people, 

All on my own. 

It was an experience I never lived before, 

A part of the world I have never seen before. 

I feared being on my own 

For the first time in my life. 

I was scared but excited, 

Afraid to be alone but ready to meet new people. 

And yes, the first five days 

Were filled with fear, sadness, and loneliness. 

But, the last four days 

Were filled with happiness and excitement, 

New memories and experiences, 

New friends and acquaintances, 

New knowledge and perspectives, 

And a overall newfound sense of self.. 

I was scared, but I knew that

I would thank myself 

For stepping out of my comfort zone. 

Nine days changed my life. 

I became a new, confident, and happier person. 

I learned more about myself and the world.

I was scared of those nine days, 

But here I am, 

Happy that I ignored that fear. 

Because it was those nine days  

That helped end fear all together.  

Nine days changed me 

And taught me why fear and anxiety 

Should never prevent me 

From trying new things. 

I tried something new 

And experienced a different part of the world 

For nine days, 

And nine days 

Was all it took to be ready 

For what the world has in store for me.