Tomorrow I am going to be dropped off at LAX with two backpacks, one large and one small (I intend to look like a turtle made of luggage). It will be the second time that I’ve taken a one-way flight leaving Los Angeles. The first time was in 2013 on my way to Columbia. This time it’s to Colombia. What a difference that single vowel can make.

Six years ago I had it all planned out: Law school. Study. Interviews. Money. Prestige. More money. Blah Blah Blah. It was a race. I was excited.

But like myriad predecessors who have also realized that the hedonic treadmill doesn’t move you a centimeter forward, I’ve decided to step off and take a leisurely stroll.

I fully expect to experience culture shock, language barriers, loneliness, second-guessing, and fear. Long hours and studying are within my comfort zone. Traveling alone to another continent for six months is not.

I’ve never been more excited for anything in my life.