Post Study Abroad: Reflection

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." -Mark Twain

Last night in Florence = Success.

The gang came over, we all exchanged our secret santa gifts, and gave toasts to the semester and the friendships that were made. We then proceeded to Finnegan's, Lion's Fountain (both Irish pubs), and ended up happily eating sweets at the secret bakery. Everyone and their dog was at Lion's, which was even more amazing because I got to say goodbye to many, many friends that I have made. It was an extremely enjoyable night, even the part where Laura and I cried our eyes out for twenty minutes because we didn't want to imagine life without each other, no homo. The sad thing though was that it felt like a completely normal night, except I had an alarm go off at 6:45AM to head home. Saying goodbye to my roommates and friends in the morning was quick and painful (stupid taxi man rushed me) yet, it still doesn't seem real. I still feel like I am going to see them tomorrow night, as if it were just another weekend vacation away. The three plane rides home were long and exhausting, and I was relieved (to say the least) to finally arrive in Kansas with my boyfriend and family waiting for me.

After living in Europe for approximately 4 months, here is a long list of things that I have whole-heartedly learned:

1. How to pack lighter than I ever have in my life.

2. It’s indeed possible to live without a smart phone.

3. You can find Coca-Cola in every country (Thank God).

4. How to live with limited resources.

5. Earplugs are truly a blessing.

6. How to makes friends that are completely different from you.

7. How to say goodbye (sometimes for good) to someone special.

8. No matter what country you are in, a smile goes a long way (as well as it meaning many, many different things…).

9. I have more pride in my simple state (Kansas) than anyone could ever understand.

10. Cheez Its are scare, but Snack Friends are plentiful.

11. ALWAYS CALL YOUR PARENTS!

12. No matter what I do, Italians will always dress better than me. And I don’t care! J

13. When it comes to mosquitoes, I will always lose.

14. You can live without a microwave…it’s difficult, but doable.

15. You have to learn that this experience in your life will never happen again; treasure every moment.

16. Take your time, things are not meant to be rushed.

17. Always carry a notebook, pen, and a book with you, wherever you go.
18. Never underestimate the power of friendship.
19. In all honesty, making other people happy is what brings me happiness.
20. Some of my favorite moments have been simply enjoying a homemade meal with good friends.
21. Everyone makes mistakes. Even good people.
22. Always question for a student discount. Sometimes they don't advertise. Ask and you shall receive!
23. Learning how to laugh over a stressful day of traveling.
24. Everyone has their own story, problems, heartaches, and joys. In the end, we are all human.
25. I have a newfound passion in life: writing (thanks to this blog!).
26. Europeans don't really like Americans. But, it's up to you to change that impression.
27. When in doubt, Kebab it.
28. Sometimes a true friendship will form in the most unexpected way.
29. Never take for granted the pure joy of walking around one of the oldest cities in Italy.
30. This experience will always be in my heart.

I could probably go on for a while, but these are the important lessons.

It's interesting, thinking back to Day 1. Saying goodbye to my family and boyfriend for four months was no easy task. "It's okay, it's not like you're going to prison" my brother said. I remember landing in Germany, (crying the whole way across the Atlantic, mind you) and being absolutely freaked out because no one was speaking English. Once I landed in Italy and got situated at my new home I was scared, nervous, and homesick as a dog. I had no idea how my roommates were going to be, why I was there, and I prayed to God that I was making the right choice. 

And you know what? I did.

I made friends. I ate amazing Italian food. I learned how to make that amazing Italian food. I bonded with my roommates. I learned how to shoo away Italian boys. I traveled: to Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ireland, and all over Italy. I drank beer in every country and learned how it's a cultural pastime. I saw art that changed the way people think in the Western world. I saw masterpieces. I saw works that made me cry. I crossed so many things off my bucket list. I wrote papers. I went to class. I did my schoolwork and studied. I spent many nights at my favorite pub. I made friends that will last me a lifetime. I made a best friend, who will be my bridesmaid and who always has my back. I laughed. I cried. I bought way too many souvenirs and presents. I grew. I made mistakes, but some of the best decisions. I got made fun of being from Kansas. I smiled so much. I created memories with my friends. I laugh every time I think of those moments. After some time, I finally became at one with the Italian culture. I took myself out of my comfort zone and made it my own. 

I don't think we realize this at first, but studying abroad is truly an adventure to discover more about yourself. A quest. The journey forms you along the way. I know for a fact that I am not the same person that I was on Day 1. We all have different reasons for coming to Italy: to take specific classes, to experience something new, because someone else said it was cool, for the people, or even just to take a break from reality. I came to Italy to further my knowledge in my major; the results were far greater than I ever imagined. It's a bit hard to describe, but I have grown. Being away from home and your family can bring out unexpected emotions, but you learn to act in a mature manner and live each day as it comes. This taught me to treasure everything I have, and to treat each day as special as the next. I'm already a confident person, but having to meet completely new people, or even asking for help, has taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin. I am still young with much life ahead of me, but I have matured in some of the most unexpected ways. 

So what am I up to now? Well, so far I am enjoying the holidays with my family, friends, and sweet boyfriend. I plan on going back to my normal life at KU in the spring, and taking the LSAT and GRE in hopes to figure out what I actually want to do with my life. I will return to my two jobs and 15 hours of coursework. I will travel to Colorado often to see my boyfriend, and he will visit me. I am still in touch with my roommates and good friends from Italy, and most of us are already making plans to see each other in the future. I hope to return to Europe once I graduate, hopefully for a summer full of backpacking across countries, both familiar and unknown.

Cooking Final: Team Volpi (Wolves) with Marco, our professor!

Last family dinner--the gang :)

Me and Laura! I love this girl.

The roommates and SOLTANI! Our landlord!

Me saying goodbye to the Duomo :(

I'M HOME! And unpacking...

Thank you to everyone who followed my blog and read it along my adventure. I had so much fun writing it; not only did it become a big part of my routine, but I've realized just how much I love to write because of it. Also, if you are a college (or high school) student and considering studying abroad, DO IT!! You would be a complete fool not to. Again, thanks for being there and giving me positive comments and support along the way. I love you all.

Ciao, Fino alla volta prossima!