The most important thing I’ve learned about myself during this study abroad is that it’s the people that make the memories, not the destination. I first came to Italy with a couple of people but none that I was too close with. During the first week and a half on the trip, I struggled to make new friends. I was hanging out with people but I did not feel included and we were not clicking. I felt homesick and was not having a good time. It wasn’t until I met my friend group that I hung out with the rest of my time in Italy that made all the difference. We spent every day together and even went to Croatia for a weekend trip. The memories I look back on now contain the laughs and joy my friends made me feel.
