If anyone had ever asked me if I saw myself taking a summer class in the past, I would have laughed and called them crazy. Now, if anyone asked me if I ever saw myself taking a summer class abroad…that’s a different story. It is on my bucket list to experience several diverse cultures and places. The first stop on my bucket list being Rome. I never thought I would have the opportunity to spend 18 days in Rome. Even as I am sitting here on a plane to Dublin, which will then take lead me to a connecting flight to Rome, it all feels surreal. I feel as though at any moment the plane will land and I will be sitting back at Gate 11 at JFK International Airport once again. So, as I am sitting here, three hours through my flight, I can’t help but reflect on the past months that have led me to this amazing moment.
It all started back in September. I was placed into a travel writing class by my academic advisor. and had never really had an interest in the topic previously. To me, it was just another class I needed to take. Not surprisingly, it became my favorite class. How could it not! It was the perfect class for someone like me. The class was also a really nice way for me to connect even more with my advisor, who taught the class.
As September rolled into October, my teacher/advisor approached me after class one day. She simply said “we need to get you to Italy,” before proceeding to tell me about a summer class she teaches in Rome with another teacher. She had a few extra spots left in the class and wanted to know if I would like to enroll. Here was the catch-she needed to know within a couple of days. Automatically, I wrote the opportunity off. No way could I convince my parents in a couple of days to let me go. I remember forwarding the informational email hoping they would agree. To my surprise, they said yes! After all, It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Over the next few months, I met with my roommate, booked the flight, renewed my passport, registered for the course and applied for scholarships. Everything went so smoothly! The only small catch was that I had to enroll in two Saturday classes that would meet over the span of four weeks. This was a small price to pay for ROME. Also, over the next few months, we were sent packing guides and constant emails about the differences we’d experience while abroad. We had to constantly be dressed up. This meant long skirts, long dresses, and cardigans. Modesty and elegance was key. This only gave me an excuse for my mom and me to shop.
As my first day of Saturday classes drew near, I started to become nervous. It was actually happening! While a part of me hated waking up early and dedicating four of my Saturdays to learn about Greek mythology and travel writing, I actually ended up enjoying my courses. I actually looked forward to them.
I departed for my trip less than a week after moving home from college. This was quite stressful as I had to unpack everything from school (my mom graciously did my laundry for me) and repack to go to Italy. Just a side note-in our apartments in Italy, we have no washing machines. We also can only have one suitcase that we must be able to handle by ourselves. This makes packing even more stressful as we need to pack 18 days worth of clothes, toiletries, and medication into one medium sized suitcase. I will never forget the ridiculous amount of rage I felt when my suitcase (I must admit, I over-packed it) broke, forcing me and my mom to start over and repack everything. Even at this point, going to Rome did not seem real. Even now that I am on the plane on my way to Rome, everything seems surreal. I am just waiting for someone to pinch me. However, I know that once I step out of the airport onto the streets of Rome, it will be one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
