It's been awhile since my last blog post but I decided that during my last couple weeks I wouldn't focus on blogging or uploading pictures. So a month later here it is!
I remember walking into my dorm room on the first day thinking "It is going to be a long three months." I anticipated missing my friends and family, American food, and my cell phone! These thoughts were not calmed by the lack of hot water, sleep, and communication with America. I had to switch rooms because of mold and I kept wondering if I really should have come to Rome at all.
How could I have ever thought these things! In hindsight these worries that I experienced are silly. But really that was part of the process of adjusting and getting used to my new "Italian" way of life and living in a dorm (unlink one I have ever lived in).
Fast forward three months...There are 25 people crammed in my room, all drinking wine. I'm sitting on my top bunk wondering how we will ever fit more people. Low and behold, more people come in. 27 people now in my room. Turns out my room was dubbed "the party room." Maybe because my roommate and I are so fun, but also because there are two doors to our room...blocking out all sound that would run the risk of being written up! The point is, I went from questioning my ideas about coming to Rome (3 and a half months ago) to wondering how I ever lived without these 27 people in my room. They are all wonderful people who enjoy living life to the fullest.
During my last couple weeks I had sudden thoughts hit me. One such thought: I can't imagine living my life without this experience and not meeting all the people that I did. It is a deep part of me now and I will always hold these memories very close.
Another thought: The mindset I developed in Rome (namely acquiring a passion for travel, making the most of each day, and appreciating every day of life) should not end with Rome. I will carry it with me and if I ever have doubts I will whip out my journal and read about my day in Florence or my weekend in Spain. I truly believe that the people I met in Rome and the experiences that I had re-sparked my passion for life.
I'm not going to lie, I had these images of coming to Rome and finally figuring out what I want to do with my life. I figured in such a relaxed and stimulating environment I would discover my life calling. Nope, didn't happen. I am as much in the dark now as I was before coming to Rome. Should I be a teacher or an occupational therapist? Should I volunteer for a year or teach English abroad? These are many questions I will be facing my senior year and I'm sure will be asked by everyone "What are you doing after graduation?" Wellllllll, I don't know is my response. Yes, I have a lot of decisions to make and thinking to do. Rome did help me figure out that MY happiness is what I should worry about and that I shouldn't put pressure on myself to please people around me. Positive thinking, a good attitude, and hard work will help me end up where I belong, wherever that may be.
Here's to an amazing group of friends that I made, nights that have turned into mornings, sunny days in Rome, and a journal full of memories.
