A Transformative Semester in Rome

By: Serena Reinke

With block 2 done and over, my time in Rome is starting to come to an end. I’ve started to reflect on my time here and I’ve realized how much I have changed and how much I have overcome. Studying abroad has been the most transformative time of my life, this is the farthest I have ever been from home and I came here alone. It has been so scary but I wouldn’t change my time here for the world. Between exploring new countries, traveling, learning public transportation, and learning how other people live, I have learned so much about the world! I’ve become so independent and I’m proud of all of the obstacles that I have overcome on my own. I have also gotten the opportunity to meet so many amazing people! I didn’t come abroad with anyone that I knew so I have gotten to make so many new friends with my roommates and with my classmates. We have gotten so close simply from figuring out our new environment together and by traveling together and our memories and friendships will always stick with me! One of the most transformative moments of studying abroad was going on a solo trip. I decided to go to Paris by myself and it really proved to myself how capable and independent I have become. Before this, the farthest I have gone by myself was a city an hour away from my hometown so to travel to an entirely new country and have to figure out transportation, stay, and activities all by myself was huge. This ended up being one of my favorite trips- it was nice to explore at my own pace and do everything that I wanted too! It also taught me to enjoy my own company and to trust myself! Being abroad has taught me so much and has made me so much more open to new experiences. The best advice that I can give is to say yes to everything and take every opportunity that you can! I will be going home with so many new amazing memories, a new trust in myself and my abilities, and a new appreciation for other cultures. Traveling the world and feeling at home in Rome this semester will definitely be something that I look back on fondly! 

EXPLORE ROME