Wow!!! These past few weeks have been a whirlwind. Comfort zones are being escaped, limits are being pushed, and new things are endeavored every day. We have been attempting to use some recently learned Italian words (even when it feels a little uncomfortable), pushing our limits on sleep (only to squeeze in as many experiences as possible), and trying all kinds of new food (which has turned out very well and also gone very wrong). I think I speak for all of us Chigi Babies when I say that this experience has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Of course, life will never be perfect. It is definitely easier to prepare yourself for the fun adventures, and forget to think about the challenges that come along with studying abroad; however, the people that I have the incredible opportunity to do life with this semester are the ones who make even the challenges something worth remembering – like celebrating with you after the small victory of successfully ordering Italian gelato despite the inevitable language barriers. But in the midst of the whirlwind of “new” and “firsts,” confidence in capabilities is increasing, zest for life is ever-growing, and lifelong friendships are being formed.
This past weekend exemplified all of this as some friends and I embarked on our first weekend getaway. We decided to take a day trip to the beach. After some last minute planning, getting lost on the way to the bus, and hopping off the bus a stop too early, we ended up on a beautiful beach soaking up perfect weather with amazing company. This weekend is just one of the many experiences these past few weeks that have resulted in some realizations:

1. I don’t have to be an experienced traveler to maneuver around a new town and utilize public transportation.
2. Everything doesn’t have to go “right” for me to have one of the BEST days!
3. Sometimes the little obstacles are what generate the most growth, foster the best friendships, and make for the best stories.

Overall, this semester abroad is an opportunity to take the famous saying “Carpe Diem” (“seize the day”) and live it out to the extreme! This isn’t limited to the fun and exciting weekend trips that we have the opportunity to plan; rather, it’s fully investing in the seemingly mundane parts of day-to-day life like getting up an hour early to enjoy company over a cappuccino or staying up that extra hour to plan trips, watch a movie, or even learn a dance with friends. It’s learning to say no to any negativity and YES to as many opportunities as possible!

Arrivederci (goodbye),
Reilly Bryant