Ciao

My fun fact during ice breakers would always be “I’ve never left the country”…not very fun. I decided to tear that “fun” fact to shreds while simultaneously testing all aspects of my strength by leaving the U.S. for four months. And it’s not just a vacation. I am here to study and take on a once in a lifetime internship opportunity as well. Everything is about to change. It hadn’t hit me that this was real until I arrived in Rome. And parts of me are still in shock and disbelief that I am over 4,000 miles away from home. It has been less than a week since I last was in my own bed, but I have already experienced so many things that I never have before. The statement “you learn something new every day” has never been so accurate.

From the moment I stepped onto the plane, it felt like I was in a different dimension. When I noticed that each seat on the plane had a mini TV on the back of the seats, I felt like I was in heaven. I saw a famous actor in person, for I think the first time ever at JFK airport. I experienced my first ever connecting flight. These are all things that may seem minuscule to other people, but for me, every little detail on my way to my destination felt unreal.

I knew a few people from back home who were also going on the trip, including one of my best friends, but shortly after I realized it is necessary to step out of my comfort zone and find what I am passionate about while also finding myself. As I said, I have only been here for a short time now, but I have experienced all of the emotions. It has not been easy. I have had my moments where I question why I even made this decision. I have also had moments where I plan to move here after I finish college. Without needing to say, it has been a roller-coaster of emotions.

However, the little things while I have been here have made me realize why I am here- for growth and expansion of my mind to greater parts of the world. The other night, I went to the lobby of where I am staying and asked if there was a vending machine in the building. The worker enthusiastically told me that I can find a water fountain with the best water in Rome across the street. This made me laugh, but also made me realize that I am in a new place and I will not always get the answers I am looking for immediately. I need to adjust to my new surroundings. I took public transportation for the first time after orientation one day. On the bus, I started to panic because I was not sure where to find the button to alert the driver that I will need to be getting off at my stop. When I found that button, I felt like my life was saved. I found a small café down the street from where I am staying. I stopped by there after a long day for a snack, and I made a friend. She taught me some Italian and gave me great advice while comforting me by telling me about other American students who succeeded while in Rome. All of these little moments have been learning experiences and have sent feelings of relief through my body when feeling anxious.

This new way of life has my mind traveling at a million miles per hour. Yet when I see the amazing views, taste the natural, flavorful foods, observe the day-to-day life of Italians, I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. These are the moments when I catch myself not thinking, and just appreciating the amazing opportunity I have been given.