Coming to the end of my summer here is a jumble of juxtaposing feelings; I feel so sad to leave this place and these people yet so happy to return home. I am relieved to be returning to familiarity but afraid to no longer be pushed out of my comfort zone daily. I find myself daydreaming about having lunch on the porch with my mom, lying in the yard with my dog, and driving to music with the windows down. But, at the same time, I find myself thinking about all the things I will miss here: seeing the old men congregating in the square, reading at Caffè del Bernini, and going to a fraschetta for dinner. I will miss Cinzia, Roberta, Lydia, Francesco, Mary Lou, and many more who make this program and town a home for us.

While reaching the end of the summer here it is hard not to be looking forward to what is next. I am thinking of packing up my nest, our travel day ahead, and seeing my parents at the airport. A time like this also forces me to reflect on this summer and how I have changed. I remember arriving this summer anxious about some things and thinking I had others already figured out. I could almost laugh at how wrong I had it in the beginning but in the end, looking back, figuring out this position has changed me for the rest of my life.

It is sometimes confusing to have such opposing feelings together, but I think it is a good thing in the end. It means I am lucky enough to have two places I love so much.

Sophie Young