Final Countdown - Weeks 13-15

Well, I was correct when I anticipated that my schedule would be all over the place. But that hasn't stopped me from making sure I went out and did some fun things before the semester ended. Last post I mentioned having family come and visit and this time I had a visit from one of my friends! For her, this was a homecoming of sorts as she studied abroad in Florence at the same school over two years ago, and she's the one I have to thank for pushing me to take this chance to come here.

Being away from home has meant being away from those I am closest to. While I have made friends here for whom I am very thankful, I'm nowhere near as close to those I have back home. Being able to share an experience like this with loved ones has meant so much to me. I mean if I'm going to climb to the top of a cathedral in Milan to watch the sunset, might as well have a buddy with me right? Or go out to a nice dinner and then play endless rounds of various card games at a cocktail bar one night. Of course, having a visitor also means dragging them into helping me with projects by being a model for me which was a lot of fun.

The following week was Thanksgiving for everyone back home and just a leftover pasta and glass of wine night for me. I never want to spend a holiday alone again because that just sucked. Also, I miss my dad and Jordan's cooking immensely. I miss them too of course but I only get that gumbo once a year and I saw them at the beginning of last month so who cares right? (I'm joking, I love you guys). I think sometimes we take what we have for granted. Every year I've been able to spend holidays with my family and other loved ones. This is the first time I've ever spent one alone and I don't know how people do that often. It truly sucks. So thankful I'll be home for Christmas.

This past week was the the kicker though. They were my last classes before finals. I actually already presented my final for my psychology class because we had to split it into two weeks, and I got put in the group of lucky ones that got to go 1st. Many of my professors reviewed what we needed to get through finals and then spoke about how much they'd miss us. I've really enjoyed the courses I've taken this semester and am glad to have had this opportunity to travel and to learn from them. While sometimes they could make classes a little crazy they were a lot of fun and definitely memorable. As I'm writing this, I only have 6 days left here in Florence. Some friends I've already had to say goodbye to which really sucked. I spent last evening out with my roommate,e and we spoke about how strange it will be to have lived together for 4 months and have shared this amazing experience only for us to go home and possibly never see each other again because we are from completely different places.

Looking back on my time here, I can see how I've grown and changed as a person. I feel a lot more confident in myself, and I've tried so many new things. Being on my own has certainly been strange, but it provided me with the opportunity to restart some parts of myself. I wasn't constrained by societal expectations of myself from others. Don't worry; I'm not a completely different person, but I can tell I've changed for the better, and some of my friends have pointed it out as well. Who knew it would take me crossing the ocean to get where I am now? Full disclosure: I came here anxious, brokenhearted, and honestly just a mess. Coming here gave me my life back. I had the world thrust upon me with nothing to hold it back. I had to learn to navigate it alone and relearn how to find joy in every situation. I've become more optimistic and curious. I've gotten my drive back, and life has become exciting again. I know that when I go back, I won't be able to be as spontaneous as I have been these last few months, but I know I'll be better at finding things that bring me joy and pursuing them. I've missed home since the moment I stepped on the plane to come here. I'm ready to come home, but not really ready to leave this experience. I don't think I ever will be. I know I'm gonna miss Florence, my new friends, and the experiences I've been so fortunate to have. But I can continue to make more memories that are just as special back home too.

6 more sleeps until I board that plane to come home. See you all in a week :)

-Kit

Week 13

Weeks 14 & 15

Look book project