At about the halfway point in my study abroad, there are a multitude of feelings beginning to overwhelm me. The fears I ad about meeting new people and being too shy to branch out were transformed into feelings of accomplishment. While there have been some people who chose to study abroad with preexisting friends or siblings, it has been obvious that a majority of the people I have met have chosen to study abroad for similar reasons as I did. I think back to myself coming into this experience, fearful of what lied ahead and with anxiety of not becoming friends with the individuals I would be with, and I can not help but laugh a little bit at how worried I was!
Right off the bat, everyone has realized we are all here for similar reasons: travel, friends, and new experiences. I have never been so quick to become close with so many new people. From having dinners together, going out, and studying for exams, it truly feels like we have known each other much longer than the 12 days we have spent together thus far.
Aside from the ease of creating new friendships however, there have of course been unexpected challenges for me throughout this experience. While I assumed I would be homesick from time to time, I never realized how that homesickness would be less about missing my family and home, and more about wishing that they could live these new experiences with me. Today, I spent the day walking around and exploring Venice, Italy, and during my daily phone call with my mother, I could not help but feel overwhelmed by emotion.
I have truly fallen in love with the city of Venice, and it is hard to believe all of the pieces of the puzzle that had to come together for me to be here today. During these overwhelming moments, however, it has been comforting to know that I am surrounded by people who are all experiencing similar waves of emotion. Awe, Sadness, Excitement. Having these people alongside me during this journey has helped me to better understand my emotions, and created a safe space for me during this period of immense growth.
Although I still have a week left in my trip, it is hard to imagine that I can get any better! I have had good food, great friends, and amazing people! What else could I possibly need? Lets travel through Italy!!
