Semester = Over
Well. The inevitable has happened. My semester abroad is over tomorrow. I get back to Rome at 10am, and I have one last day to walk around. One last time to remember the good times…
What I have learned:
Simply, too much. I learned that the best things come when you least expect it. I was skeptical about this semester. I came to Rome basically knowing no one. I cam back with 32 new friends, and hopefully 15 life-long friends. I learned how to try to learn a language. I learned how to travel. I learned how to be ignored when ordering basically anything in Rome (Ciao Coke?). I learned that bumming a night, without a hotel, in a foreign city is no big deal. I learned that Italians are disorganized (sorry, but for the most part they are). And mostly, I learned a lot about myself. I was only able to learn most of these things with the help of my friends this semester. I appreciate everything and I cannot thank you enough.
Next Steps:
Next year will be my last two semesters as an undergraduate. U of I will be very different from my time in Roma, but I am prepared for it. Part of the study abroad experience is learning how to readjust to reality. It will be very difficult, frustrating, and boring, but it has to be done. Simple as that. I am looking forward to my summer in Chicago. I will be hopefully working two different internships, and I look forward to contributing to both of them. After college (whoa, that’s another story/feat) I have no idea what I will do. Maybe grad school, maybe work, maybe win the lottery? Who knows, but I will figure it out over the next few months. Hello real world.
Analysis:
GO ABROAD! To anyone on the fence and deciding about going abroad, sign up and go! It is a wonderful opportunity that you can only have once. Ask yourself. When will you have the opportunity to spend an extended period of time in a foreign country. A year, a semester, a summer… doesn’t matter. GO! I promise you will learn a ton in a short period of time, maybe not from school. But, it’s unique, and you will have no regrets. Even if it is a $8,000+ debt. Just go and love it.
Thanks:
Thank you Mom and Dad for this wonderful opportunity. I am forever indebted to you two. I had the most wonderful time, and met the coolest people. I cannot wait to share everything with you guys when I get home.
Thank you to my friends from this semester. You kept me sane, you kept me laughing, you made certain expereinces unforgetable, and you were all incredible. You are all amazing people, and I loved every second with you all. Seriously.
Thank you to my home/school friends. I apologize for my lack of communication this semester, but I hope you can forgive me. I cannot wait to share my stories with you all . School next year will be insane, and I am looking forward to it. I appreciate the funny emails, stories (not cohen), and online chats. It’s nice to know I have friends like you.
Peace Out Europe:
Well. It’s almost over. My flight is boarding now to go back to Rome, so I have to cut this short. Later everyone. See you soon!
Jake
