Hi everyone,
This is my last blog post. I’m just going to reflect on my study abroad experience. My term abroad has been such an incredible experience. My hopes and expectations were set extremely high and followed me close-by coming into Madrid. Thankfully, I was truly not disappointed. The experiences I have lived here and the memories I have made will live on far past when I finally go back home this week. They exceeded all of my expectations and were worth every minute and every dollar spent. I have so much to be thankful for, especially for all of those who have given me support throughout these past four months. I am extremely proud of myself for staying strong, defying all odds and persevering through all of the difficulties. I have succeeded in my goal and I have proven myself. This experience has really made me a better person overall. That may sound cliché, but it really is the truth. I feel more courageous and prepared to confront any and all of life’s situations and to continue achieving my goals, be it personal, academic or professional.
The highlight of my experience has to be all of the traveling I have done, especially to Italy to visit family. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to do this alone like I did every single time for almost every weekend. That is something I prepared for mentally and that solidified my commitment to get out of my comfort zone, meet new people and explore the world. Words can’t describe how proud I am of myself and I am sure my loved ones back home feel the same way. This was for all of those who believed in me, for everyone that aspires to pursue a goal of theirs, not just study abroad, but most importantly, this was for me. I brought this dream of mine into fruition and I am just
I am least proud of my lack of endeavors here in Madrid. I was living here for four months, but didn’t explore as much as I should have. I should’ve made more friends here and just experienced more of the culture. I got off to a very strong start, but the more I traveled around Spain and Europe, the less time I got to spend in the city I called home for four months. I definitely regret that the most. Nonetheless, I have nothing but fond memories of Madrid and it is an amazing city with so much to offer. With that being said, it just doesn’t compare to my real home. The city I have been living in for most of my life, that has seen me grow up and where all of my closest loved ones reside: Philadelphia!
I’M COMING HOME!!!!!!!
Steve