Farewell my new friends! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful experience with me. I know you will have similar opportunities to mine, especially through education. If you have any doubts about this, remember that I never thought I would study abroad, as no one in my family had attended college before me. And going off to college was already a major step for me - from leaving my home town to living two hours away - but I wouldn't change a thing about the experience!
When I first told my family I would be studying in France, they were so happy for me, but were also worried and sad because they would miss me. I would be the farthest I had ever been from home. I, therefore, felt conflicted at first; but now that I've been here for almost two months, I know this was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I've become more self-aware, culturally aware, confident and independent through the experience of living abroad. I've learned so much already, but I know I have plenty more to learn, especially the French language. And in my literature courses. It's important to get out of your comfort zone and explore a world that seems so unfamiliar, at first. It is in this not-so-comfortable zone that the most growth occurs! When you are faced with similar opportunities to mine, I encourage you to take advantage of them!
