Twenty new roommates. Twelve weeks. Three classes. One new home. Then there is myself. This is a simple way to summarize what my life will entail this summer as I spend these next three months living in Italy, taking classes and traveling around Europe with new people. The shock of the situation still runs through me. How is it that two and a half years ago I was a quiet freshman from New York, trying to find my place at Auburn University, deciding to study abroad for a summer, and now that summer has arrived? Needless to say, the trip came much sooner than I was expecting, and as the time came closer for me to wave goodbye to the United States for three months, the nerves and fear set in about my impending adventure.
Nevertheless, this first week has proved to me why I took that leap of faith, and why I put myself out of my comfort zone once again. It is not hard to fall in love with the beauty, charm, and brilliance of the Italian culture, especially with the amazing girls that are here as well. Even with all of this excitement, this last week has still been an adjustment. Going from having my own bedroom in a house in the U.S. to sharing one with twenty other girls in a foreign country where I do not speak the language is a tough thing to accept. However, after feeling some discomfort at first, I learned take a step back, take in a deep breath and remember what a wonderful opportunity is sitting at my feet.
Europe is waiting!
Amelia Hoover

View of Ariccia from the Palace