I am thankful to the Gilman scholarship because it is part of the reason my life has changed for the better in so many ways. I have met the most wonderful people who make my life so bright, have seen the most interesting and beautiful places all over Europe, and have learned to believe in myself. Studying abroad can be hard because it forces you to choose how you want to fill your days, with whom you want to hang out, and whether you will see the world in a positive or negative light. When there is so much freedom, you have to pick carefully because it is up to you to decide who you want to be.
This is your sign to go explore as much as you can! Look under rocks to see if there are new bugs there, talk to all the people around you, admire the clouds above you, ask questions to adults and your friends, read books and play outside. Look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a smile and a hug.
And so now that my adventure is almost over, I am saying goodbye to the streets that now feel like home, the people that feel like home and the way I live my life in Italy. I am really sad that this life is over. But it is okay. I will go home to my mom, dad, sister and brother. And I will continue to build my life in a way that I like.
I learned that life is one big adventure all the time. There is happiness waiting for you everywhere. Just go and grab it.
