Time really flies by when so many (exciting) things are happening. It feels like just the other day I was applying for the program and now, in just seven days, I will be leaving for Rome, Italy!! Yeah, I am still processing that information. But wow, four months filled with endless experiences, learning, and memories. I deep down always knew I wanted to study abroad. It really wasn’t until I got to college that I realized Rome was where I wanted to spend my semester abroad. I loved their culture, language, and let’s not forget about the food.
I have been lucky enough to see other countries and travel the world. I have always done it with my family. The difference, this time, is that I will be doing it alone. I say alone because I will be thousands of miles away from my family, but I really won’t be alone because I will have friends who will share the same experiences as I will.
Studying abroad in Rome will open me to an abundance of opportunities I would not otherwise experience. I feel so fortunate to be able to receive an education, let alone receive an education while studying abroad in Italy and learning about other cultures.
I don’t think it really has hit me that I will be away for four months in an entirely new country and I don’t think it will hit me until I arrive in Rome. But I am so very excited!! Leaving my family and friends is going to be a difficult adjustment and I’m not going to lie; it is kind of scary to even think about. I know that being abroad I will be able to not only grow as a student but as an individual experiencing all the things life has to offer. I truly feel that in order to live life to its fullest potential, you have to be afraid of doing certain things because that is when you know you are pushing out of your own boundaries and are thus truly experiencing and living.
I am honestly so excited for what is to come. Words cannot even truly begin to describe how happy I am as well as how blessed and fortunate I am for this opportunity. Although it was such a nerve-wracking process, I would not trade it for anything because it is allowing me to study abroad in ROME, ITALY!!! Just 7 days (not that I am counting or anything) till I leave for Rome. That reminds me, let me start packing!