five months in italy
a reflection after five months in italy
february first, twenty nineteen
Five months ago, I caught a flight to Sardinia, Italy, and that flight, along with everything that has happened since, has changed my life. I had heard countless times while applying and preparing for my year in Italy that it would change me as a person, and it really has. At times I don’t even notice the change because it doesn’t happen all at once, but whenever I reflect on the past five months, or what I was like a year ago, I realize how much I really have changed. I’m infinitely more independent and outgoing, putting myself in situations I would never have had the courage to a year ago, I have a new appreciation for a completely different culture, and a new outlook on life.
Independence is one of the first and most important things gained on exchange. At home, I always have my parents and friends to help me out, and so I rarely need to solve a problem on my own. Going on exchange and leaving your family for a year will force you to become independent and learn how to solve problems on your own. Of course, I have an amazing support system here in Italy with Rotary, all of my wonderful new friends, and my host family that has made me a part of their family. But after flying across the world alone and spending my first few months stumbling around barely speaking Italian, I now don’t find myself immediately going to someone else for help, but instead asking myself what I can do to solve the problem.
I’ve also become much more outgoing since I’ve moved here. I don’t feel nervous talking to people I’ve only just met, even though I’m speaking in a different language. Being on exchange makes you realize that what seemed like a big deal before, really isn’t. I only have a year here, so I don’t have time to be shy or not embrace who I truly am all of the time. I’m just always my crazy loud self, so much so that one of my friends didn’t believe I was typically shy back home. Of course, I might be a little quiet when I’m with my Italian friends and they’re talking so fast I can’t get a word in, but I’m sure in a few weeks my Italian will be strong enough to speak quickly!
But for me, the thing that has changed the most in me is that I now truly understand what it means to “go with the flow.” No matter what happens, it will all work out-I’m in Italy! I think the best example of this is that in my first month here, I took the bus home from school, but didn’t realize a button had to be pushed for the bus to stop. I ended up taking the bus all the way into the city, and was beyond stressed. Four months later, and while I know how to get the bus to stop, missing my stop isn’t a problem at all. I’ll get to explore a new place, even if it means being ten minutes late to lunch. The Sardinian, easy going way of life has led me to think positively in my every situation, and making the most out of every moment. I might just be sitting at home after school, but instead of thinking about how I’d rather be out, I think about the fact that I can go into the kitchen and make myself an espresso (which is definitely one of the best things about italy), read a book in Italian, and then go on a run to watch the absolutely gorgeous sunset. Every moment, whether it goes as planned or not, is beautiful. Life is so good. I’m endlessly thankful for Rotary Youth Exchange and all of the good experiences, people, and change it has brought into my life.
Independence is one of the first and most important things gained on exchange. At home, I always have my parents and friends to help me out, and so I rarely need to solve a problem on my own. Going on exchange and leaving your family for a year will force you to become independent and learn how to solve problems on your own. Of course, I have an amazing support system here in Italy with Rotary, all of my wonderful new friends, and my host family that has made me a part of their family. But after flying across the world alone and spending my first few months stumbling around barely speaking Italian, I now don’t find myself immediately going to someone else for help, but instead asking myself what I can do to solve the problem.
I’ve also become much more outgoing since I’ve moved here. I don’t feel nervous talking to people I’ve only just met, even though I’m speaking in a different language. Being on exchange makes you realize that what seemed like a big deal before, really isn’t. I only have a year here, so I don’t have time to be shy or not embrace who I truly am all of the time. I’m just always my crazy loud self, so much so that one of my friends didn’t believe I was typically shy back home. Of course, I might be a little quiet when I’m with my Italian friends and they’re talking so fast I can’t get a word in, but I’m sure in a few weeks my Italian will be strong enough to speak quickly!
But for me, the thing that has changed the most in me is that I now truly understand what it means to “go with the flow.” No matter what happens, it will all work out-I’m in Italy! I think the best example of this is that in my first month here, I took the bus home from school, but didn’t realize a button had to be pushed for the bus to stop. I ended up taking the bus all the way into the city, and was beyond stressed. Four months later, and while I know how to get the bus to stop, missing my stop isn’t a problem at all. I’ll get to explore a new place, even if it means being ten minutes late to lunch. The Sardinian, easy going way of life has led me to think positively in my every situation, and making the most out of every moment. I might just be sitting at home after school, but instead of thinking about how I’d rather be out, I think about the fact that I can go into the kitchen and make myself an espresso (which is definitely one of the best things about italy), read a book in Italian, and then go on a run to watch the absolutely gorgeous sunset. Every moment, whether it goes as planned or not, is beautiful. Life is so good. I’m endlessly thankful for Rotary Youth Exchange and all of the good experiences, people, and change it has brought into my life.
a dopo (see you later),
maggie :)
So very proud of how you approach your exchange and how much you have matured.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxox
ReplyDelete