Dear pre-departure self,

Get ready for the best experience of your life! Studying abroad was the best decision ever, and you could not have decided to do it at a better time.

While many people choose to study abroad during their junior year, I chose to do it as a sophomore. I chose to go to college at Pitt, which is only about 30 minutes from my house. Throughout my freshman year, I enjoyed my experience, but I decided I needed to challenge myself a little more. I figured the best way to do this was to study abroad, so I did. I worked almost every single day during the summer and the fall semester, so I could afford to fully enjoy my time abroad. If my pre-departure self knew how much of a great time I’ve had, she would be happy to know that putting in all of those hours working was absolutely worth it.

While I have always been an independent person, studying abroad has further enhanced my independence. Not being able to rely on my parents or friends for things has actually been nice, as I have been able to test my ability to solve problems. I have definitely faced a surplus of challenges here, ranging from minor inconveniences to larger problems, and my pre-departure self would probably be surprised by how much has gone wrong (although, she shouldn’t be, as something always seems to go wrong for me). Despite what people may think, I actually appreciate the challenges and inconveniences because it is in times where you and your friends are tested where you make the best memories, in my opinion. These moments have also allowed me to become more flexible and adaptable. Plus, a day that goes exactly as planned is not as fun.

At the beginning of the program, I just wish I would have known how fast this program would go. People tell you that it will fly by, but you don’t believe it. As I sit here writing this, I cannot believe that I have less than a month left. I have done so many beautiful and amazing things I could have never imagined. I have met people that I would have never met if it were not for this program. This is a time in my life that I will never get back, and I am happy to have enjoyed every moment. My mind has been expanded by experiences, people, and places, and it will never return to the way it was before. I will continue to appreciate every moment, take pictures, and be spontaneous. Most importantly, I know I will come back to Europe. I don’t know when, but my bucket list still has many more things to be checked off.