It’s crazy how life can change so much in such a short period of time. I got to Rome, and my life changed so quickly. Then because of a quick change, I had to leave. Everything that I lived in Italy I know that I will carry forever in my heart and memories.
I am also a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. This experience was by far the most exciting one for me. I met awesome people and made friendships that I am sure will last a lifetime. I got the opportunity to try new places, foods and lifestyles. Without this study abroad, I feel like I would be limited in my knowledge, and it definitely expended the borders of who I am.
My perceptions didn’t change. When writing my first blog post, I had the feeling that I would love everything in that city. It was just starting to feel like home when the virus situation got worse and we got to leave. It feels like it is so far away now. But I know that the time that I spent there was a bless and I am so grateful for it. I remember that I was scared in the beginning, because I was going alone. Truth is that it was so easy to connect with people. We were basically all “in the same boat” there, and we got to explore that new place together. Also, the friends I made from Rome were so nice! One of them told me that the city gives them energy. I totally believe that it is true. Rome gave me such a positive energy and I felt like I was never sad there. There were also things to do and try. I attached a photo that I took of one of my favorite days in while I was in Rome. The rainbow was so beautiful after the storm, that I even forgot it was raining a few minutes before. Rome was always finding new ways to keep us smiling.
I do believe that it was easier for me to adapt, since I had already studied abroad in America. Since I am from Brazil, it was easier for me to understand Italian. It’s crazy to look back and think that I thought it would be so hard to learn a new language.
My time abroad definitely changed who I am. I even feel like this situation with the abrupt end to our program due to the pandemic changed me. It made me open my eyes to never leave what you can do today for tomorrow. I had many plans, but I was always pushing them because I thought that I would have time. So, if I can offer one piece of advice it would be to think twice before leaving what you can experience today for the future. It also changed me in the sense that I got to be independent in a country that was totally new for me. My confidence in myself and my ability to be on my own outside my comfort zone definitely increased. I would not trade this experience for anything.
I just hope everyone in Italy is safe right now. I know that our experience got cut short, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good experience! Everything we learned we are going to carry for the rest of our lives.
One last Ciao!