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I'm home! In fact, I've been home for two weeks, but only now am I fully comprehending what a spectacular journey I've been on for the past four months. I've been to six countries, two seas and one island, and more than one night was spent with my suitcase as a pillow. I've seen monks and masqueraders, flag-throwers and glassblowers, gypsies and gondoliers. I've learned a new language, how to travel light and where to find the best gelato in Florence. But most importantly, I'm leaving with a new and defining sense of self. My head is spinning with enough beautiful memories and passion-filled experiences to last me several lifetimes -- or at least until my next European adventure.
Returning to the States has definitely been an adjustment. It's been hard to break the habit of speaking Italian to waiters, and I'm still shocked when I understand conversations in the background all around me. Rediscovering my American life has been both eye-opening and entertaining, for I'm surprised at how much I'd forgotten. Like how to use a turn signal, for example, or exactly where my shoes are kept in my own bedroom. Some details about life here make me sad, such as the lack of ancient buildings or favorite friends, and the sad state of the cheese section at the grocery store. But while I'm newly energized about life on this side of the world, you can bet I'll be doing everything in my power to go back to Europe as soon as financially possible. Or maybe even before.
To close this defining chapter of my life, I think it best to start at the very beginning. The following is the essay I wrote for acceptance into my study abroad program. I can hardly believe this journey is over, but at this point, all I can say is...
L'HO FATTO!!!
(I DID IT!)
Studying abroad has always been one of my dreams. I grew up listening to my mom tell and retell stories about her three months in Scotland just after college, and also to my grandparents’ fascinating tales of their world travels. I always knew I wanted to travel as well, but I never thought it would be possible for me. I assumed that I would not have time in my schedule of classes and that studying abroad would mean I would graduate late. I also thought it would be too expensive. But as with most assumptions, I assumed wrong.
Not only is this program in Florence affordable for me, it offers classes that fit exactly into my double-degree course of study. All of the classes I need to stay on track are offered here. As a graphic design student, it seems unreal that I may be able to take painting, art history and creative computer classes in the ‘capital’ of the art world. Never mind just reading about famous paintings when I could simply walk a few blocks to see them in person! And as a journalism student, the prospect of taking a photography or foreign language class in such an inspiring and historic place is a once in a lifetime opportunity I don’t want to miss.
Most importantly, Italy is the most ideal place for me, offering everything I want to gain from studying abroad for a semester. The art, history, culture, language and sheer beauty of the country appeal to me on every level. I want to learn a new language, live in an entirely different culture and study art history, all at the same time. I also absolutely love Italian food. While I want to travel as much as possible throughout the rest of Europe, I realized a while ago that there are few places I would actually want to put down roots and live for four months. Florence ranks at the top of my list for all these reasons and more. I’m convinced that once I set foot in Italy, I won’t want to come home.
I decided a long time ago that I would leave no stone unturned during my years at Drake University. It's been my goal to experience everything college has to give me, leaving nothing to be regretted. I have committed wholeheartedly to this resolution throughout the past two years and have joined, participated and supported a lot of character-building activities I might never have discovered if I had not had an open mind. I know some things I will only ever get the chance to do once, and studying abroad falls into this category. When will I ever again have the opportunity to move to Europe for a few months with no strings attached? For me, my college experience will not be complete without this trip.
Many of my friends, younger and older, have studied all over the world -- China, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Ecuador, Australia, France, Ghana, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Scotland and Austria, just to name a few. I have watched them leave, wondering what it must be like to be leaving the United States. I have flipped through their online photo albums and tried to imagine myself in their shoes, traveling in those many beautiful foreign places. And I have welcomed them back, eagerly awaiting the stories about their exciting adventures and experiences. Always I have wondered if this will ever be me, if I will ever get this incredible opportunity to discover the world and who I am in it. Now, at last, I believe it is finally my turn, and I can’t wait to get started.
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