The Closing Chapter In Paris

As this chapter is soon coming to an end this week, there are small words and big emotions when reflecting on the last 10 weeks abroad. From meeting 25 completely new faces to living in two different countries, my view of this world has gotten just a little bit wider. Our time in Paris has flown by while trying to reach for every new opportunity and experience with these people that I now hold so dearly in my heart. London and Paris were two different worlds that both welcomed rowdy American teens searching for adventure in everyday life, and to my best judgment we found the adventures. My expectations for this semester abroad were slim to none when first arriving as I kept my mind completely open to the possibilities ahead. But to my surprise I am not ready to leave. By this last week I feel so settled and content with where I am in this life I have created in Europe and I wish I could hold onto that feeling for just a little bit longer.

My favorite thing about this program has truly been getting to know the people around me who come from all different lives, yet found common ground in moving across the world with a bunch of strangers. The bonding experience this has been will stay with me forever as will the life lessons along with it. 

When traveling and living abroad, the biggest lesson I learned was just how adaptive

you really have to be in order to enjoy where you are at. In London I had to adapt to the extremely fast lifestyle, long commutes and large city. Although in Paris I found myself adapting to slower meals, longer conversations and later nights out. Wherever I found myself whether it be in the places I was living or traveling outside of them, I was always reminding myself there is always a solution and adventure ahead. Some things can definitely feel scarier and bigger particularly with a language barrier but it all contributes to the stories to tell later on. 

The group on this abroad trip has really changed over the course of this time as people have navigated various relationships and getting to know each other. In terms of growth its exponential compared to landing in London jet lagged and nervous for what was to come. It has been so unique to see the bonds people have been able to build when thrown in so many different situations away from all things normal and routine to American life.

Now that I am on the final countdown of this journey in my life along with the others, all I can do is sit back and take in what I have been able to experience. Everyday I am filled with the utmost gratitude and gratefulness for being able to have this opportunity especially at this prime age. To any reader and viewer, if you're thinking about studying abroad all I can say is go for it. Even if it seems scary, unrealistic or hard, nothing will compare to the life you can create on your own in a foreign place.