I had a lot of expectations for study abroad, but I never knew that in four weeks I would have five new best friends. Meeting you all on the first day in the hotel lobby and I no idea how close we were about to get in a matter of days. I am so lucky that five acquaintances and strangers have become my best friends.

I already miss waking up to all of you every day. We all became a little family that could bicker and instantly make up. After spending 24/7 with each other it was no surprise that we almost ripped each other’s heads off at times. We all got annoyed and frustrated, but we loved each other enough that in a couple minutes everything was forgotten.

I have never met more accepting and caring individuals. I got to know each of you more than I know some of my friends that I have known for years. The more I got to know each and every one of you, the more I saw how truly amazing you are. We each had different personalities that somehow all meshed so well. If it was not for this experience we would have never been friends and I would have missed out on getting to know some amazing people.

You guys also taught me so much about myself. During our deep dinner conversations and rooftop confessions you guys brought out the best in me. Without knowing it, you taught me to be more accepting, confident and independent. You guys accepted me for who I am with all my flaws and made me a better person. I cannot remember a time that I laughed more than I did during those four weeks. No matter the situation we always had a positive attitude and made the absolute most of each day. I will forever cherish the times we couldn’t communicate with any of the locals, continuously sweat with no air conditioning and got no sleep because those were the times that we formed the real friendships that will last much longer than that Europe trip. Through getting lost in cities, following our professor through the woods, falling asleep in lectures and watching sunsets halfway across the world, I couldn’t have asked for more incredible people to have by my side.