Text: "I have been working for six years now and I feel like I am finally in a good place financially. I want to reward myself for working so hard by going on a trip to Italy. I had to put money aside every month for the past two years to be able to afford this trip but I think it will be worth it. Why else would I work so hard if I can’t have some fun once in a while, and if not now, then when? I am single, I have no responsibilities other than taking care of myself, my parents still have their health and …I might be overthinking this. It’s just a trip. I am feeling a little nervous because I chose to not go through a travel agency. I bought my plane tickets online and I booked a hotel through a website. I have to apply for a visa all by myself, like a big girl. I am so scared of being rejected. I feel like it would break my heart. I know there are worse things in life but I would really hate to see that stamp of rejection. I am tired of having an empty passport. In any case, I have to try. I gathered all my documents. I have bank statements, proof of employment and travel insurance. I got photos taken and I filled out the application forms. Those get me so nervous I forget how to spell my name. I even added a birth certificate for some reason. I don’t think any other country on earth cares about that document but I had to submit it so many times for so many random things that it’s just part of the process for me now. I am praying that this will be enough. It’s all I can do, do my best and pray. Wish me luck!"

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