A Farewell and Thank You to Copenhagen
To the place and the people with the most hygge.
As this semester comes to a close and I leave the place I love most, I am reflecting on all of the people, places, and things that made Copenhagen my home away from home. In a matter of four quick months, I have fallen in love with the city and all it has to offer. I have met so many amazing new friends, expanded old friendships, and explored many places in Denmark and Europe. As I leave this beautiful place, I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to study and live here in my favorite little corner of the world, Copenhagen.
To old and new friends.
It breaks my heart that we may never all be in the same place at the same time again. We have traveled the world, explored the city we call home, and had an abundance of fun along the way. Thanks for spending every American tuesday with me, exploring Copenhagen's cafe scene with me, and being just a text away from creating so many new memories. We have tested our sanity learning Danish together, biked so many miles to so many different places, and become very familiar with our nightly bar hopping escapades. Copenhagen wouldn't be the same without each and every one of you and your constant laughs, bad decisions, and adventures and I would give the world to do this all over again.
To my roommates.
Thanks for creating a home with me in Store Kongensgade and showing me that so much love and happiness can be created in only four months. Thanks for not just cohabiting with me, but full heartedly living with me. You have shown me that friendship comes in many forms which is more than I could have ever asked for in roommates. I will miss being a few steps away from constant laughs, deep talks, wine nights, or even just procrastinating in the common room. To the hygge movie nights, cooking escapades, the mega bed, and so much more, I truly have made the best memories in the place we call home. I would climb our five flights of stairs a million times just to have more time here with you. I am so incredibly lucky to have found a second family in Store with you guys as my people. Love, Mom
To the place.
Copenhagen, you are truly my city. Whenever I leave you for the weekend, I have this gut feeling that I cannot even imagine studying anywhere else. To Kastellet where I run, Rosenborg slot which I bike past everyday, and Nyhavn with your bright colors and beauty, you never cease to amaze me. There has never been a day where I haven't felt at home and I think that is because you are so welcoming. I was captivated from the start and although there are so many places of you I would like to see, I am so incredibly lucky to have explored you so freely for the past four months.
To DIS.
Not only have you furthered my education, but you have provided me in once and a lifetime experiences. Through the academic experiences such as creating a strategic communication campaign tackling binge drinking in Denmark, working on a semester long photojournalism assignment capturing the life and identity of a Dane through photos, and learning from many successful communication agents in Denmark and London. Through the cultural experiences such as being able to see Wicked in London with my class on its 15th anniversary, going to high tea at Fortnum and Mason, and attending modern art museums. DIS has given me the opportunity to have given me to grow academically, socially, culturally, and professionally while making many friends along the way.
To the traveling.
Almost every weekend I left Copenhagen, but I always came back. I was able to travel to 10 countries and 15 cities which is something I will never be able to do again. To the serene beaches in Tenerife, the craze of Oktoberfest in Munich, the boat cruise in Norway, or the endless pasta in Rome, Europe became my canvas as I was able to travel so easily. I am fully grateful for the opportunity to explore my home and the surrounding cities for the past four months and I have made so many memories that will stick with me forever.
To the hygge.
Copenhagen truly showed what it means to be cozy. Hygge is not only the idea of curling up with blankets and candles, but it highlights the people you spend this relating time with. In Copenhagen, I have found hygge everywhere. In cafes, in my home, in just spending time with the people I love. The essence of hygge is captured in the idea of togetherness, equality, wellness, and contentment. I will definitely be bringing hygge back to the US and Villanova's campus as it is one of the aspects of Copenhagen I will miss most.
