It seems almost surreal that in less than a week I will be embarking on a journey that I have been dreaming about for as long as I can remember. I knew that I always wanted to study abroad during my college years, but where or even if it was possible to do so were things I could not begin to decide.
I’ve always been a strong believer that your college years are the perfect time for you to shape yourself into the person you want to be. You are faced with so many new challenges that you did not have to handle before, and yet you are given complete freedom to explore your identities and experience new interests. It is a portion of your life that is incredibly messy and scary and confusing but so exciting all at the same time. My personal college experience thus far has been exceptionally wholesome…but, it would not feel complete without an opportunity to travel.
As your average “good standing” college student who does all they can to simply have a better understanding of who they are as a person and what their “life’s calling” is, there is at least one thing I know for sure about myself…I have a purpose to travel.
Having been raised in Zimbabwe, Africa, what seems like a different world compared to the United States, and there after having the gracious opportunity to travel to at least 15 different countries since then, the identities that make up my character are a result of my international experiences. I have fallen in love with every country I have visited, yet never felt I had enough time to fully engross or integrate myself into these places (in exception to Zimbabwe in which I lived in for almost 15 years). This study abroad experience to Italy being over 4 months long gives me supplemental time to have a true feel for the country, and the cultures, customs and traditions that make an “Italian lifestyle”.
I am beyond excited and more so grateful to have this opportunity, yet a large part of my mind and body is also preparing itself for how much it will miss the familiar faces and spaces that make up my home here in Florida. I know this study abroad experience will test my true craving for independence and exploration by setting obstacles of homesickness and loneliness in my way…but, I am up for the challenge because I know how time flies, and how worth the experience will be at the end of my college years.
The goal I have for myself and for all my co-traveling peers during the 4 months we have abroad: Be present. Engage yourself with every sight, smell and taste this adventure brings you. Accept the tasks you are faced with as a part and parcel of the experience. Cultivate the local life and culture of the foreign space you are in. Make the most of every moment as best as you possibly can.
I cannot wait to see what the next few weeks hold for me. I look forward to sharing my Italian journey with all my friends and family back home.
Saluti (“cheers”) for now!