Anxiety about going to a new state without my mom?!

Well, first of all, congratulations! That sounds like it's going to be a really fantastic experience, and my first piece of advice would be to remember how much fun you're going to have! You're going to visit one of the most interesting cities in the world, and it sounds like you'll be traveling with friends, too. High five! ?

Secondly, don't worry about the nauseous feeling. Everybody has their own ways of reacting to stress. It's completely natural to feel anxious about striking out on your own for the first time, so unless you're actually throwing up, relax and don't stress about it.

As for getting over the feelings of anxiety, here are a few tips from someone who took her first solo trip (one week!) at the age of eleven:

- Talk to your mom, and decide on a set time when you'll call home every night. If you don't have a cell phone of your own, borrow a teacher's or use a hotel phone. You can tell her all about the things you did that day and hear how she's doing, and you'll feel closer to her and know that she's thinking of you.
- Bring something familiar and beloved with you, like a favorite book. When you're getting settled down for the night, read a few pages and think happy, positive thoughts. You might feel more at home that way.
- Make sure to spend plenty of time exploring, enjoying the workshops, and having fun with your friends! The busier you are and the more fun you're having, the less likely you'll be to start feeling homesick.
- Remember that it's only five days! You'll be home again before you know it, so focus on enjoying this adventure while it lasts!

Personal experience (summer camp from middle school onwards, plenty of solo travel, including six weeks on exchange in Japan at age 16).

You'r w/ your group. Relax.