No matter how old you are or how many times you’ve done it, leaving home is always tough. I’ve always considered myself a homebody, so the idea of leaving home for four straight months was daunting. But, to do it twice within a year is even more daunting than before.

Leaving home again was a much different experience than the first semester I went abroad. I only came home for a brief two weeks, but already it felt like a different place. Maybe the place itself was not so different but I definitely was. Regardless, as I thought about leaving so soon for another semester, I was nervous to say the least.

I wasn’t nervous about going back to Rome because Rome has become my home. I was more nervous to leave behind that familiar feel of home ingrained within my bones. I was nervous to leave my parents, family, and friends behind again.

I packed up my things in a rush and hopped back on the plane, leaving behind the familiarity of New Jersey for the excitement that Rome will bring once again. Getting off the plane, I felt at home once again.

Leaving home is hard, but creating a new home somewhere completely different is the best feeling in the world. I wouldn’t trade this year for anything because it has made me grow and continues to surprise me with every new day. Although it is hard being away from my cozy bed and my goofy parents, I’ve found a new place to call home 5000 miles away.