“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened”- Dr. Seuss

On a daily basis, I repeatedly tell myself this quote as a form of comfort for the unfortunate fact that my study abroad adventures in Italy are coming to an end. For as long as I can remember, my biggest dream has been to travel to Italy so I could experience the history, culture, and language of this amazing country.  I wanted to walk through the infamous cities, like Rome, Florence, and Venice. I wanted to study the Italian language by speaking Italian with locals. I wanted to learn the history of the Renaissance while living in the city where it all began.

Now, after striving so hard for three years, I have accomplished these dreams. Everything I have experienced here was more than I could have ever imagined. Because of this, I don’t want my Italian adventure to end, however the time has come for me to pack my bags and return to the United States where I will be left with only my memories of Italy. While it is sad to leave, I am happy that I embarked upon this adventure of a lifetime. Traveling to Italy has not quenched my love for everything Italian; rather it has developed that spark into a full-blown fire. Being here has created new dreams of traveling to new places and experiencing new adventures. My life is just beginning and it is full of possibilities. So now, it is unfortunately time for me to leave Italy, however this will not be goodbye forever. Like before, I worked hard and was able to travel here, and I have faith that I will come back.

Samantha – Northern Illinois University