We met in an airport with no knowledge of each other but we all shared one thing, that we had no idea what we were doing. Navigating Charles De Gaulle was hard enough but navigating our first weeks in Pau were definitely tougher, but I'm glad I had y'all by my side.
Over the past few months we've explored Europe together, defeated some bogus tests and tried some great food - all experiences I'm happy to say I've had. The biggest thing gained out of all of it though, friendship.
Sure, we've had our ups and downs where we've rolled our eyes at the dumb things the other people say, and gotten a little sassy about travels, but we've also shared our gummies on trains, so can it really be that bad?
In all seriousness, thank you for being there. I've had my fair share of mental breakdowns and stressing out about my grades here and you have been there to help me get through it. You've talked me through missing home and John, especially when I'm about to cry about not seeing everyone in so long. In return, I've hugged you when you cried, talked you through your frustrations and bought you some coffee on a bad day.
Even though I didn't spend thousands of dollars to study here in Pau to make friends, being your friend and having you as a friend in return has made the experience better. Without you, I would probably be sitting in my room FaceTiming family back home more often, probably studying French every second of the day and wouldn't know what certain foods tasted like.
Being thousands of miles away from home, I thought it would be hard for me to find friends, at least friends I could see myself wanting to talk to, even when we're on US soil. I guess you could say, I got lucky. You have been great travel partners, pillows during delayed flight, pep-takers and even better pals.
Thank you for putting up with me and my antics the past few months, I couldn't have done it without y'all.
Je vous aime tous.
