My study abroad experience has been nothing short of transformative. As cliche as it may sound, I truly feel as though I’m walking away from these past four months as an entirely reshaped human being, my perspective on the world around me completely rearranged. This program marked my first taste of life beyond the borders of the United States, and prior to my departure I lacked virtually any understanding of how life operated overseas. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to see an array of different lifestyles and cultures with my own eyes, and I have no doubt that I will henceforth carry these memories with me in everything I do.
Prior to boarding that first flight back in January, I had no idea whether or not I was truly capable of studying abroad. Though it loomed on the horizon as the most exciting adventure imaginable, I had no real conceptualization of what international acclimation would look like. I feared my small town upbringing would render me useless in these massive European cities, clueless as to what to do and how to navigate stressful situations. Since arriving in Italy, however, I feel as though every single day has brought with it new sights and new lessons, gently shoving me into learning how to hold my own and adapt in unfamiliar environments. I’ve traveled across continents, found myself in places I’ve only ever dreamed of seeing, voyaged both with strangers and independently, and got to meet countless different individuals along the way. I’ve found myself exposed to so many different elements of art, architecture, history, culture, and language, all of which I likely never would’ve familiarized myself with if not for this semester. Life overseas feels almost fantastical until you’ve had the chance to experience it yourself, and now that I’ve proven to myself that I’m capable of doing something like this, I feel more self-assured than perhaps ever before.
I return back to the States next week with a newfound sense of self, more confident in my ability to face adversity and uncertainty. I know now I can handle uncharted waters, and I have no doubt that this assurance will carry on into my academics with CBA and future professional pursuits. Of course, I owe so much of this experience to the scholarship donors who enabled myself and fellow CBA students to afford this journey, and for that I am forever grateful. I feel so incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity, and I could never begin to properly thank everyone who played a role in its fulfillment. Study abroad will always be held so fondly in my heart.
Ciao for now 🙂