It has been nearly three weeks since my return to the United State
s and I can definitely say that I missed the simple things, like Target, iced coffee, and driving. I can also say that I miss Italy and my experience abroad has opened my eyes to a world I never knew before. Visiting the Doge's Palace in Venice, Florence's Duomo, the Spanish Steps in Rome, and the markets in Siracusa have left me a changed person. No, drinking only cappucinos for a month did not change me, but people did. My classmates on this trip were some of the best I could ask for, and that includes my professor. This experience taught me so much more than I thought. The places we visited, what we learned about the history, and the culture have left an incredible impact on my life. My study abroad program has shown me how different we can be as people, but how we are all human. My classmates became my friends, no matter what background we were from, and the places we went became cherished memories. Adjusting back to life in the U.S. was strange and not as easy as I thought it would be. I found my self resisting the urge to say bonjourno for every greeting and grazie after every thanks. I also miss walking everywhere 
in every city. Driving is not as fun as it seems anymore, now that I have to do it myself. It is also strange to see how removed I was from technology while abroad. I felt more present with the lack of television, social media, and texting. Studying abroad made a lasting impact on my life and taught me how to be more aware of myself. This program taught me so much that I don't even know where to begin, but, more than anything else, it taught me how to be a better person.