Rome Reflections!

It is my last 3 days studying in Rome and I would love nothing more than to go back and do it all over again. Coming into this semester, I didn’t really know what to expect, and in a way, I think that made the experience even more meaningful. I was most excited about the opportunities, living somewhere completely new, traveling, meeting people, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. At the same time, there was also fear and nervousness. The idea of getting on a plane and moving to a foreign country for months felt both exciting and overwhelming.

I tried to keep an open mind, without too many expectations, but one thing I couldn’t have predicted was just how many relationships and connections I would build in such a short time. That’s probably been one of the biggest surprises. Another was fully experiencing Italian culture, not just observing, but actually living in it. The pace of life, the emphasis on enjoying the moment, and the everyday routines are so different from home, and being able to adapt to that has been incredibly eye-opening.

I don't have just one “favorite” part of this experience, it’s everything combined. I’ve loved being able to walk everywhere, especially in Trastevere where my apartment is, and is where every street feels alive. Even my most ordinary everyday walks are beautiful, passing by historic buildings, monuments, and places that people travel across the world to see. It’s something I don’t think I’ll ever fully adjust to. But as I prepare to say goodbye to Rome, I can’t deny the sadness that accompanies the thought of leaving. This city has become my home away from home. Saying goodbye to the friends I’ve made, the gelato I’ve devoured, cobblestone streets, and the countless memories I’ve created is not an easy task.

In the last three months I have traveled to four other countries and ten other cities, met people from all different backgrounds, learned the basics of multiple languages, tried tons of new foods, and grown exponentially, personally, and academically. But what I’ve learned also goes far beyond academics. This experience has pushed me to become more confident and independent in ways that only come from being in completely new situations. Not everything is predictable here, plans change a lot, things go wrong, and sometimes you have no idea what to do and feel out of place. But I learned how to handle those moments, instead of trying to control everything, and that has been one of the most valuable lessons.

The best thing that these 9 weeks have given me is the realization that these are the kinds of experiences I want to have for the rest of my life: making friends from parts of the world that I previously knew nothing about, learning about the history of a place on site like the Colosseum and Villa D'este, and being able to take an train ride to another part of the country with its own unique culture.

Now that the program is coming to an end, it’s a strange mix of emotions. I’m really excited to be back with my family and the familiarity of home, but at the same time, it’s hard to leave a place that has become so meaningful to me. I carry with me home a suitcases

full of memories, a heart full of gratitude, and a determination to cherish and remember every moment of this incredible adventure. Grazie, Rome, for the memories, I could not be more thankful for this experience. Ciao, and thank you for following along and experiencing parts of it with me!

- Makayla