One moment that meant so much to me during my time abroad was my visit from my family. Going into this experience, I hardly knew anyone participating and was afraid to be alone so far from home. Being here I found myself growing daily, creating new relationships and becoming more independent. When my family came to visit earlier this month, I think it helped me grapple with how much had changed since the last time I saw them.

Getting to introduce my parents and brothers to my new friends who I already feel like I have known a lifetime, and show them around areas I had never dreamed of being even 6 months ago made me realize how much life experience I have gained since this January. The feelings of gratitude along with the fact that I had been missing my family and was glad to see them, the days they came to visit were some of the most meaningful  of my semester. I also got visited by my Aunt who works giving tours around Europe, so my family visit also included a lot of insight on the city of Florence I had never had before. Overall, it was the experience of abroad that really put things into perspective for me.