A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Pairs, France with five other JSB students. This was a personal weekend trip that we planned on our own. I went into the trip a little more nervous than usual. Since, several large terrorist attacks had already happened while in Europe. These recent attacks were the Arianna Grande concert that was bombed in Manchester and there was a shooting on the London Bridge. Part of me wondered if the next big disaster would be in Paris. I had worked myself up to be almost sick in fear of something that could occur while we were there.
I called my mom the night before we left, and I expressed how frightened I was to go to Paris. That was when my mom gave me some of the best advice I have ever heard. She told me, “Lane, stop worrying. When we completely uproot all of our plans and change our daily lives out of fear, that is when the terrorists have won.” This little nugget of wisdom really resonated with me. I realized then that I cannot live my life in constant fear of something that has not even occurred.
Ever since I took this to heart, it completely changed my outlook on life and the rest of this trip. Now don’t think I have changed into a complete thrill seeker or stopped using good judgment. I have, however, made a conscious effort to stop letting fear define my life. I understand that I will probably never have the opportunity to travel around Europe this freely ever again. So I decided, then and there, that I am not going to let a few crazy people in this world dictate how I spend the rest of my summer.
All of this being said, I went to Paris and had one of the best trips of my entire life. We did everything from shopping, to eating macaroons and taking selfies with the Mona Lisa. One of my favorite things we did was eat a picnic under the Eiffle Tower. Before this trip, I would have probably kept my distance from a crowded, touristy spot like the Eiffle Tower because it seams like the perfect spot for the next disaster to happen. However, I am so glad I didn’t let fear stop me from going. My friends and I sat for two hours under the tower watching the sunset, having a great conversation, and eating some of the best cheese and bread I have ever had. I hope to make many more incredible memories like this one as the summer continues.
Lane Allen

This picture was taken during our picnic under the Eiffle Tower.