I am so grateful for the places I’ve been able to visit outside of the country as well—Barcelona, Paris, Tenerife and Munich were all so different, but all so extraordinary. I visit Malta at the end of the month and while I don’t know what my itinerary looks like in May, I have strong intentions of enjoying my beloved Florence!
While I am very open to providing answers to any questions, I want to take a moment to share a message from my heart. When I was in high school, as you all are, I personally hadn’t thought about studying abroad. Where I was going to school and what it meant for me seemed like enough on my plate. You all have plenty of time to decide if this is the right choice for you, but as someone who came here alone with almost no international experience, I truly mean it when I say my heart is full. That does not mean there have not been troubles, but it means that I have fallen in love with the experience alongside any adversity. As cliche as it may be, I still like to use the common Latin phrase “Amor Fati” to describe this feeling. This means “love of fate,” and is a mindset that encourages one to actively embrace everything that happens in life, including the successes, failures and what lies in between. Many of the other students here that I've met seem to agree that this is the most fulfilling way to view a study abroad experience.
Speaking to this class has been a pleasure, as you are all so polite, insightful and intelligent. I can’t tell you how flattered I am at the interest you’ve taken in my curriculum and career! You all have such bright futures ahead of you. I look forward to our last call and I am here for anything you may need from me.
