This post was written by Melissa Turley, who is studying abroad in Buenos Aires.

In my past twenty years, my life has moved in a relatively linear motion of expected events. The comfort of this straight and narrow chain was thrown a massive curve upon my arrival in Buenos Aires four months ago.

One thing about being in such a cosmopolitan city is that it has attracted many adventurous Americans. Their life paths have so many loops and twists that they could make the tallest roller coasters envious of their careening course.

One of these rare breeds includes a man who made his fortune in rural Georgia selling rare and exotic animals. One day he decided to sell his menagerie, pack up the necessities of his life, and set off by himself to make his way through South America.

Some more common encounters with aficionados of the winding life path were the ex-pats transplanted from the States, now working in Buenos Aires. The rare and pleasant occurrence of hearing English spoken often sparks conversations about what brings you to Buenos Aires. Some had studied abroad here, fallen in love with the city, and found their way back. Others had simply fallen in love and had returned to get engaged or married.

No matter the reason, whether it is for love or money, for adventure or escape, Buenos Aires has shown me the power of the curve and the importance of straying a little bit to the side. My advice now, as my ex-pat blog near its final entry and my study abroad term comes to a close, is no matter what: study abroad. It’s scary, even culturally overwhelming at times, but it opens you up to new experiences that have the potential to be equally amazing and life-changing. These adventures, fears, and emotional ups and downs are the beauty of life as a roller coaster rather than a line. You scream, you cry, you laugh, but at the end you realize you survived and can look at the feat you just overcame saying, “Wow, I did that.” So bring on the curves, life is too short to wait in line.