An Open Letter To My Study Abroad Roommates

The last four months have been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. And believe me you, there is nothing that I would have changed. I have laughed harder than I thought I could, I have experienced things and visited places that I would never dream about seeing and I learned more about myself and others than I thought was possible. Studying abroad is one of the biggest decisions that I have had to make up to date, and I can now happily say that it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Living in another country was amazing and all, but what you do not think about initially is all the people you are going to meet that will have a huge impact on your lives. For one of the first times in life, everyone is in the same position as one another, living in a foreign country without any clue what they are doing. Luckily enough, I was blessed to have met some of the most influential people in my life. And some of those very people, I was lucky (or cursed) to live with for the past four months. So here is to you, my study abroad roommates.

Dear Roommates,

Where do I begin. It seems like just yesterday we all arrived in our apartment, ready to embark on the greatest journey of our lives. We all came in not knowing one another, just hoping that we would get along and become friends. Looking back at that now, I can say that luckily we did. When I look back at this period of my life, please know that you are all the people that I will remember the most. I will remember the days and nights we spent together, whether it was during the week or the weekend, or night or day. I will take each of you with me wherever I go, remembering everything I learned from each individual. And my wish for you is to do the same.

I would be lying if I said that it was always sunshine and butterflies. There were hard times, but we got through them. We overcame the obstacles we faced, bringing us closer and stronger to one another. However, these are not the times that I will remember. I will not hold and thing against any of you that happened. I will instead remember the good qualities and the good times that we shared.

Lastly, I want to thank you. Thank you for being you, for bringing your own genuine self into my life. Thank you for allowing me to build friendships that hopefully will never be broken. Thank you for accepting me for everything that I am and allowing me to feel comfortable in a place that I never thought I would.

I wish each and every one of you nothing but the best in the future. I hope that you all succeed in everything that you do, and get everything out of life that you want. I will be cheering you on every step of the way, whether it be near or far, and whether you know it or not. I will always be here for you, whether it be in a few weeks or years away. The light you shine has had a huge impact on me, so please keep shining.

Soon, time will pass and distance will become a great force between us, but know that the memories that we share together will not fade. A piece of my heart will always be in Rome, Italy and always be with each of you.