I’ve known this was coming since the beginning of my time here in Italy. I haven’t acknowledged it, though. I couldn’t bring myself to. But it’s here — my last week, staring me in the face, challenging me to live the next seven days like they’re my last.
I’ve had unparalleled experiences, made countless memories and befriended people from all over the world. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to survive coming home.
One of the biggest lessons someone has to learn when studying abroad is the ability to let things go. To let go of the emotional turmoil that inevitably accompanies travel, to let go of familiarity and embrace cultural change, to let go of people and places and the past and just enjoy the present.
I can’t say that this experience has been easy, but it has been worthwhile. My favorite memories have primarily involved frustration and confusion in the moment, followed by laughter and relief after the conundrum was resolved.
I’ve been lost so many times, miscommunicated my order, almost perished in a subway door and I have climbed so. Many. Stairs. I miss certain things about the States, sure: air conditioning, cold water, my cat.
But I’ve learned so much here. I’ve learned that it’s okay to sleep in, also to take a nap, and eat gelato twice in the same day. I’ve learned to take in the sun and soak in these experiences before they are gone. I’ve learned how humbling it is to try to communicate in another language and how inspiring it is that so many of my new friends speak multiple languages. I’ve learned that it is possible to crave hamburgers even in a place that is famous for its food. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I will take with me the lessons I’ve learned here for the rest of my life.
These programs allowed me to grow and experience the world at the perfect time and while I’m sad the time is coming to an end, I am thrilled to have been able to participate at all. You better believe that these next seven days will be lived to their fullest — all the gelatos will be eaten and all the beaches will be visited and even the church bells that ring so loud and early in the morning will be appreciated. I guess that’s what happens when you learn to love the little things; even the annoying ones have sentimental value if you open yourself up to them.
@katherinekellis