Thoughts on Returning Home

From May 10th, 2011

Fitting my emotions on leaving Rome to return to America would be impossible in just a short reflection. This has truly been an experience that changed my life and although I’m ‘returning to America’ now, I think using the phrase ‘going to America’ would suit it better because of the connotation that returning implies normalcy. My life won’t be back to normal how it was, my life will continue evolving just as it has the past four months and I will see things different than I ever have before. I did not suffer much culture shock upon arriving here, but I think I will suffer it once I get back home. I’ve adjusted so well to life here that I don’t think I’m ready to experience American lifestyle again already. It will be the hardest to adjust to leaving the city life because that is one thing that I learned here that I want to do again in my life. Many friends here complained about city life but my favorite part of my morning was stepping outside onto a busy street with people everywhere and downtown in sight.

I’ve changed for the better, I think. I’m more understanding, accepting, educated and aware of how complex yet intertwined this whole world is. I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and family again but I’m not in a place where I miss them so much that I need to go home immediately, thanks to the incredible capabilities of technology. I hope to come back to Rome, and to do it soon. I know the older I get, the less opportunity I’ll have to travel spontaneously at will so I want to make the best of my remaining two years in college. I hope to persuade a friend to study here, not only so I can have a reason to come back and visit, but also because above all, I think every person should have the opportunity to study abroad because of how valuable and positive experience this has been for me.
 That journey is Rome is over for me now. I'll never be able to relive those times, but I hope to go back and make new ones to add to my great memories from that city.  

My last walk down the road from the San Sebastian Catacombs to the WWII Memorial - serene & beautiful