Over a decade ago, I was fortunate to study at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.  For a good part of a summer, Brussels was my home.

I lived in an awesomely crappy apartment.  I spent too many nights exploring Belgian beer culture. Almost every morning, I would stop at Boulangerie Stubbe, on the way to class, to pick up a baguette or croissant. I stopped feeling like a tourist, and I started living. And, I used Brussels’ train stations to explore the rest of Belgium and the continent. I will be forever grateful for my time there.

My first European home was attacked today.  I know that airport and that station.  This one hit closer to my heart than Boston or Paris.  I’ve been to both those places, but I can’t truly claim them as my own.  Today’s attacks brought tears to my eyes.

(Note:  I initially mentioned New York too, but that was an overstatement.  I’ll never forget where I was on 9/11, and how I felt that day.  I hope I never experience that again.)

Today was also the first time that I registered a trip with the State Department, through the STEP program. But, I want to make it clear.  I am not afraid.  I refuse to be afraid.

Terrorists, no matter their affiliation, want to keep us apart.  The thing I learned in Brussels, more than anything, was that when people travel, we change for the better.  My world view was challenged.  I discovered that I was braver and more capable than I imagined.  I gained perspective.

Stereotypes and fear are easy to believe if you stay in your backyard.  More than ever, we need to reach out to each other.  We need to be global citizens.

Pack that bag.  Ask questions. Learn.

Let’s not let them win.