I finally found myself in a city – and I left myself there.

I saw on TikTok a quote that read, “If you feel drawn to a city, that is because your story is waiting to be written there.” I never thought this to be true. I have been to many cities my entire life, but I was never “drawn” to one in specific. I can call Denver my second home, but that has been after years of building it to be one. Although when I visited a certain city, I instantly knew what people were talking about.

I am in love with Florence. It has taken a lot of adjusting, but I am very happy about my decision to study abroad at LdM. I am learning so much about the culture and history, and I’ve been having a blast with my roommates. But that being said, it wasn’t easy at first. It was hard getting my bearings and adjusting to the ways of Florentine people. Let’s just say that when I landed in Florence, I didn’t have the immediate feeling that I was home.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy my study abroad experience by traveling to other cities and countries. I’ve been to other cities in Italy, along with Germany, Austria, and France. Each trip felt exactly how it should – a trip. But something about visiting Paris was really different and very special.

I have always dreamt of visiting Paris since I was little. I’ve taken French classes my whole life, and even hosted an exchange student from France. The moment I touched down in France, I felt something shift. It is so cheesy, but it is so true. I spent an entire day walking around alone – I popped into several grocery stores to even get a taste of what my life could be like. The city is huge, but it wasn’t daunting to me. I was able to figure out the metro easily and practiced my *very* rusty French when ordering at the cafe. It was the little things I did during my few hours alone that made me feel free and so adult to make my own decisions. I could so easily picture myself living and working here in Paris, and now I am even more determined to make that dream a reality.

Although I didn’t chose to study abroad in Paris, I still think I made the right choice. I have been able to test what I love and leave a little bit of myself here in Florence while also working towards my next goal. People say all the time that study abroad is about finding yourself. Well I did, and she’s waiting for me in Paris.

arrivederci, or à bientôt,

Hadley