On June 4, 2018, I said goodbye to my family with my passport in hand ready for my four-week adventure abroad. I would be lying if I didn't say I was nervous. It was my first time traveling without my family and my second time in a foreign country. Little did I know, the students on the trip would become like my family. I clearly remember everything I thought as I boarded the ten-hour flight to Rome. Not only did I have no idea how I was going to entertain myself on a plane for that long, but I also had no idea of what to expect when I landed.

My study abroad trip began in Rome, where the group and I spent two weeks. Even though we were all jet lagged after the ten-hour flight, our teacher began the trip instantly with a visit to the Colosseum. It was truly during the visit to the Colosseum that I realized how much this trip was going to change me as a person.

1. Living Spontaneously is the best way to live

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The greatest lesson I learned during my four weeks abroad is that living life spontaneously is the best way to live. My favorite memories from the trip were not our scheduled tours, but the nights we spent exploring the city and the times we got lost on the metro. I learned what it means to truly live in the moment, and never be afraid to go a bit off course.

2. Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest

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Along with living spontaneously, I learned that friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. I was fortunate enough to study abroad with some of the most incredible people I have ever met. During those short four weeks, I made friends who I know will always be an important part of my life. Though I was in a foreign country, the people I had around me made it feel like home.

3. Don't let the fear of failure hold you back

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While in Spain, I was nervous to practice speaking in Spanish to strangers. I felt that native speakers would judge me or refuse to listen if I tried to speak in their language. I quickly learned that this fear was unjustified. The native Spanish speakers were understanding if I struggled with words, and were eager to learn about my background and my study abroad experience.

4. It's okay to stop and take in your surroundings

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While abroad, our days were filled with museum tours and traveling to different cities. I often felt so caught up in the plans for the day that I forgot to stop and take in the beauty around me. I quickly learned that it is okay to just simply be quiet and look at everything around me. Although you may be eager to accomplish everything on your schedule, I can't stress enough how important it is to pause and simply look around.

5. Experience something new every day, whether it's big or small

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Every city offers endless opportunities to experience new things. I highly recommend trying something new every single day while abroad. This doesn't have to mean a new museum or landmark. It could simply be trying a new flavor of ice cream or choosing something different on a dinner menu. There is never a shortage of new experiences while abroad, so be sure to take every opportunity.

I can honestly say that I returned to America from my study abroad trip with a new perspective and newfound confidence. I am grateful for every experience I had and every person I was lucky enough to meet. If you ever have the opportunity to study abroad, do not hesitate to take it. The memories are worth every penny.