Dear Parents,
I know the fact that your absentminded daughter wanting to study abroad in a foreign country scared and stressed you out. So here are a few things I want you to know about these past few months and what I have gained from the experience you allowed me to have.
1. Money
First off, I’m going to call out the first concern on your mind and every parent’s mind when you send your child somewhere by themselves…. Money. I know you were concerned: I may not have enough, if I was spending it wisely, if I was going to lose it all by getting pickpocketed, or most importantly if all the money was worth it. So here are my official answers from the source of the investment.
I have had enough money, even if at first it didn’t seem like it, but I learned how to follow a budget and cut costs on little things I didn’t really need. I may not have spent my money wisely when I first left the states, but I soon got back on track - and can now tell you I only spend money on the necessities. I have been lucky enough to not lose my money to a pickpocket. Lastly, I believe the experience and opportunities have been worth the value.
2. Yes, I take classes
Speaking of value, you allowed me to take this trip with the promise of continuing my college education, so to answer your underlying question yes, I do still study. I know it may not seem like it based on my frequent social media posts and my weekend trips to different European cities. However, I still take classes and study frequently. I am enrolled in 6 classes this semester, and still manage a full course load in Italy.
3. Culture shock isn’t bad
Besides my classes, I know you were worried about me living in a large, foreign city on my own. I wouldn’t know the language very well. I wouldn’t have a meal plan or a dorm. I would have to cook for myself and live in a small apartment. These things might have scared you, but trust me they weren’t as scary as it seemed.
I managed to figure out the metro and became comfortable with speaking and understanding basic Italian. I learned how to cook for myself and adjust to my tiny apartment that was practically the same size as my dorm. So, don’t be worried about culture shock, I embraced gelato, pizza, pasta, and cappuccinos faster than I should have.
4. Traveling
I know you were nervous about me traveling to Italy, let alone across Europe. Traveling is no easy task for anyone, let alone someone who hasn’t done a lot of it. This trip has taught me how to pack the bare minimum, go through security like a pro, and pick a cheap and easy hostel. I know you may not have had the best impressions of hostels, but I promise they are not too bad.
They have helped meet friends and get to know many different cities. Traveling may have taken some getting used to, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I got to see many countries, different types of architecture, and many different cuisines. Traveling taught me so much. I am grateful for the chance to have done it both with friends and by myself.
5. I did travel by myself
This was probably not ideal for you or me at first. I’m sure it seemed scary to send your daughter to a foreign country, let alone know she would be going other countries by herself. Not having my roommates for my first to trip to Budapest let me become more confident, with myself, my navigational skills, and learning about the culture of another country. I am glad I had this opportunity to travel alone.
6. Homesickness
I think the real reason I’m writing this is to give you peace of mind, but to also let you know that not everything was so easy. I did get homesick from time to time. I missed basic American accommodations like free bathrooms, free water, and large enough showers to shave my legs.
Most importantly, I missed my friends, siblings and of course, you, my parents. Therefore, finding out that my roommates and most of my new friends would have their families visit themmade me disappointed.
7. Visiting
Finding out that you had bought tickets to visit me in Italy at the last minute made me less homesick. Seeing you and my brother sister made all of my thoughts of homesickness go away. I was so blessed to see you and share all my favorite parts of Europe with you. I also had a chance to discover new ones with you, too. Your visit really made an impact, so thank you for coming.
8. Thank you
I am not only thankful for your visit, but for you having enough courage to allow your crazy 19-year-old daughter to take this trip to see the world. I have learned so much, seen so much, and felt incredibly blessed to be given the opportunity to live abroad. I know my life-changing experience would not have been the same without your constant support, love, and helpful advice. Thank you. I hope that later on in life, I can give my kids the same opportunity to see the world that you gave me.
