One of the most meaningful moments from my semester so far was when my family came to visit towards the end of march. Before they arrived, I had to figure out everything on my own, so this experience has felt very personal so far. When they got here, it was the first time I felt like I could share my new world with someone from home, and it made me realize how much I have grown over the last few months. I remember meeting them and feeling so excited. I am used to them being in charge usually, but this time it was different, and I felt proud. I was the one figuring out transportation, leading us around the city, helping out with food recommendations, and just planning each day out for them. I took them to all of the places that were a part of my routine, like my favorite cafes, gelato spots, and the neighborhoods that I often go to during the week here. We walked to Boboli Gardens and Piazzale Michelangelo, did a wine tour in Tuscany, saw the Uffizi, and more. There are certain things in my day-to-day life that felt very overwhelming at first but are now completely normal. I didn’t realize this shift until I saw my parents and brother in March.
One moment that really stuck with me was when I was in charge of booking all of our restaurants. It sounds really simple, but a few months ago I wouldn’t have even known here to start. This time, I was the one researching places, and then calling or booking it in Italian if needed. It made me realize how much more confident and independent I’ve become. My parents probably just saw it as me being helpful and planning our dinners, but it felt like such a rewarding task that I was doing. I felt like I’ve truly navigated a new place and have become more self-sufficient.
At this point in the semester, I don’t feel like I am just getting through being abroad, but that I’ve built an entire life here. Having them here just made everything feel more real. It was weird, but in a good way. I saw my life here through their eyes and realized how comfortable I’ve gotten. I don’t think I’ve truly noticed my growth until that moment, and it made me feel a lot more confident in myself and everything I’ve accomplished this semester.
