In July, I went to New York on business. I had a lot on my plate and was under great 1. I just wanted to 2 and breathe in some fresh air. Suddenly something 3my mind. I'd always longed to 4 on the Greek island of Santorini, admiring its white buildings, and the blue water surrounding it. Thus the idea of taking a two-week European trip 5was born. It was something I had 6 thought I'd be planning this soon in my life. I had always thought, if it did ever happen, it would be when I was 7 and old, free from workload.

    I would lie if I said I wasn't 8. I'd driven alone across the US before, but traveling to other countries whose 9 weren't the same as mine terrified me. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to communicate with anyone. 10 it dawned on me that I had to 11 my comfort zone if I wanted to follow my dreams. And if I let 12 get in the way, I d never get anywhere.

    13 I searched for other places to visit on my trip, I found Mykonos, Greece, which I liked just as much as I liked Santorini. When I arrived, it was like I was inside a dream I couldn't 14 what I was seeing and experiencing. The best part was the bus ride to Venice. Riding on the bus and staring at every 15 thing I saw, I couldn't help feeling I had 16 another dimension of life. I was having the time of my life.

    Some people might say, "It's not a big 17 it's just a vacation." But it was more than just a vacation to me. It was about having a 18 and when it was time for it to come true, let it 19. When I did, the 20 was more than I could have possibly imagined.