As I sit here waiting to obtain my resident permit so I can return here later on in life. I have begun to reflect on my time here in Rome. Being abroad has taught me so much. The biggest lesson I learned was self sufficiency… Being away from campus is difficult especially when you are trying to make a deadline for scholarships. On campus you pass signs or posters advertising scholarships with when it due. I used an agenda book while being here and it was honestly the best item I brought so I can keep up with deadlines at school. I was able to apply for my scholarship however, if I did not have an agenda book or check Rollins’ website I would have missed the deadline. When this occurred to me I wondered how many students missed deadlines while studying away from campus. The time difference certainly makes it much harder to keep on top of things. I can not imagine what it is like for students who travel to countries such as China, New Zealand, or Australia.
I also learned to love dinners by myself. The program that I choose to go on was small and sometimes dinner by yourself is very nice. This lesson also taught me that I am abroad and in order for me to get the most of the experience I have to see and do things by myself. Which leads me to another important lesson I have learned about bravery.
Since being abroad I have chosen to be a bit bolder and to take more chances. The daily course work is less however, we are class for a lot longer because we go on walking tours and have class discussions in front of the pieces. This means that in the afternoon I had some free time to myself to explore the city. I have become comfortable taking public transportation by myself and grab a cup of coffee. One of my favorite pastimes while being here was to go for a walk. This is how I discovered why the Italians eat so much pasta… they walk a lot.
Studying abroad has taught me more about myself and about becoming independent. I am excited to return to Rollins and see all my friends. I am also excited to see all my friends and family back in Boston. I will indeed miss Rome, with little time left here I am beginning to wonder what I will do when I return home? Will I be bored because life is so busy here or will I be excited to relax? I can tell you one thing for sure… I will be very excited to get back to the beach and for summer to begin!
So glad to hear about all you are learning and enjoying! Thanks for sharing!