And just like that, my semester abroad is over. Now that I’m home, the experience almost doesn’t feel real. These past four months have been life-changing and wild, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I traveled to seven countries and even more cities, and I learned so much about myself and other cultures along the way. I’d like to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible for me, but mainly I would like to thank Florence itself. You truly are a remarkable city, and I know my story there isn’t finished. I will always have a part of you in my heart, and I know a part of me will always reside in you.

Thank you Florence for teaching me the value of patience. Unlike most cities, people move around with a slower pace. I had to learn to control my frustrations with those who would walk extremely slow in front of me. I had to accept that restaurants are in no rush, and you have to ask the waiters for the check yourself. If you have any food leftover on your plate, then do not be surprised if no one approaches you. This aspect of the city taught me to appreciate the beauty around me. Instead of trying to walk to class with my head down and as fast as possible, I would look at all of the historic buildings around me. Even though I had an 8 A.M. class three times a week, walking past the Duomo each day made it a bit less miserable.

Thank you Florence for teaching me to not take life so seriously. Before I went abroad, I was already the type of person to laugh at everything, so this city only enhanced that part of me. Typical Italians, especially those in Florence, can be extremely sarcastic and take many things with a grain of salt. Waiters will “flirt” with you or even tease you in order to make you laugh. What I learned is that even if the jokes aren’t funny, is to smile anyways. With their broken English and solid attempts at humor, how could you not? They only have good intentions, and there is no reason to make them feel bad. Also, you are bound to have mishaps when living in a foreign country. The best option to move past them is to laugh at your mistakes. Why spend your life complaining when you could be smiling? It makes you and everyone around you feel better.

Last, but not least, thank you Florence for teaching me to become truly independent. You do not realize how much you need Wifi until it’s gone. At first, having to navigate an unfamiliar city completely on my own was difficult, but once I got the hang of it, I was so proud of myself. Over time, I could slightly converse in Italian with the locals, I became friends with owners of a coffee shop, and I even improved my cooking skills! After living in Europe on my own for four months, I have no doubt that I can do anything.