It is crazy to think that four years ago today (September 29th, 2019), I landed in Europe for the first time in my life. It’s a day I will never forget. Not only because it marked the beginning of an incredible journey but also because it was my dad’s birthday. September 30, 2019, was an emotional day, filled with a mix of disbelief and excitement. If you had asked those who knew the full story before I left, they probably would have doubted that I would ever make it. The truth is, I felt like I was going through hell just to get my student visa to study abroad in France.

It all started with my friend and me driving to Los Angeles to submit our paperwork at the French Embassy. As soon as we arrived, we were immediately rejected because we were missing a crucial form. One that neither of us knew we needed. Another student encountered the same issue, which reassured ourselves that we weren’t the only ones caught off guard. We were frustrated to learn that this missing form was actually the most important one, and it required an additional fee. That day, we paid the fee, expedited the form, and prepared to return to LA for another attempt.

On our second trip, we submitted everything, hoping we would get our passports back in time for our scheduled flight. A few days later, we both received packages in the mail. My friend’s passport contained a visa. Mine did not. With our departure just two days away, I had a complete meltdown. I had to call my best friend and tell her that she would be going to study abroad alone. I was heartbroken.

The issue? I had submitted the wrong proof of financial statements. The French Embassy was strict about the specific type of bank account required to show proof of funds. It was more frustrating than anything because, had I known the fine print earlier, I could have avoided all of this.

As the days passed, I couldn’t bear the thought of my friend leaving without me. Once she boarded her flight, I became relentless. I made what felt like a hundred phone calls a day to ensure I had everything in order for my third embassy appointment. This time, I flew from Phoenix to LAX alone, determined to get it right. I flew back that same night and prayed that this would be my last visit to the embassy. My final chance to get my student visa approved.

While waiting for my visa, I returned to my lifeguarding job, working every possible hour to prepare for my departure. I was determined, and I refused to take no for an answer again. I stayed in close contact with the international team at La Rochelle Business School, and they were incredibly supportive, helping me find the answers I needed. I did everything I could to manifest the moment my passport would arrive with a visa inside. I even made my phone’s lock screen a picture of my friend and me in front of a French flag from my going-away party. While it made me sad every time I looked at it, I truly believed I would get there soon.

Four weeks and three canceled flights later, my visa finally arrived in the mail. My family and I immediately sat down to book my flight again. If I remember correctly, my visa arrived on September 26th, and on September 29th, my dad and I flew out, landing in France on September 30th. As soon as I received my visa, I called the international office in La Rochelle to share the good news. Luckily, the semester didn’t start until the first week of October, meaning I had just enough time to settle in. The only thing I missed was a month-long beginner’s French course and the international student gatherings. Fortunately, my friend had already made an incredible group of friends, so when I arrived, I immediately had a circle to connect with.

After landing, my dad and I took a train to La Rochelle, where my friend picked us up at the station and brought us to our apartment. Despite being exhausted from the 17-hour journey, we knew we had to celebrate. The three of us headed to the port and enjoyed what my dad and I still consider one of the best beers we’ve ever had. Granted, I was nineteen at the time, so my palate for beer wasn’t exactly refined, but it was an incredible moment nonetheless. Celebrating my dad’s birthday in La Rochelle, France, was a day I will never forget.

Little did I know, I was about to embark on the best seven months of my life. Looking back, all the struggles, setbacks, and stress were completely worth it. Now, whenever life presents a challenge, I remind myself of that time and remember when things get that hard, keep pushing forward. The reward on the other side is always worth it.

Xoxo, Harleigh