Category: Italy

Boarding Time

Published on by vanessacepedaLeave a comment

Last Minute Jitters

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Hey everyone!

Upon reflection on the last several months, it becomes evident to me how accurate our counselors and advisers were in stating that time flies quickly, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. I decided to remain in Colorado after the spring quarter as an out-of-state student, putting a lot of effort into trying to stretch every dollar. I really deserved this next event, therefore, I wanted to make sure it would be even more fulfilling.

August was the first month when I really felt the weight of my preparations. I ended up buying travel adapters, an additional suitcase, and anything else I could possibly need. I watched lessons for hours on end and spoke with former students who had studied overseas. At last, it was time to put everything that study into action.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to do in-depth research in advance for those of you who are thinking of studying abroad. It’s important to comprehend the nation as a whole in addition to the sights and cuisine you might like to experience. Get acquainted with their technologies, get aware of their cultural mentality, study a little bit about their history, and comprehend their local laws. For it’s our duty as visitors to respect their limits by navigating them with awareness. Naturally, you should also try to pick up some fundamental linguistic etiquette; it’s a modest gesture that goes a long way toward demonstrating consideration and decency.

Taking a quick look at the time, I realize we are almost there. I’ve packed my suitcases and soon, I’ll be heading to the airport for my first trip to Europe. Yes, I will be landing for the first time ever in Italy and overall European soil. Even though I’m undoubtedly anxious, I’ve decided to turn that anxiety into exhilaration. The goal of this tour is to experience new locations, acquire new knowledge, and develop a higher self-actualization.

Now that we’ve stated that, let’s buckle up because takeoff is nearly here. Next week, I’ll be back with more updates. See you soon!

What’s so wrong about leaving your hometown?

Published on by hadleywayLeave a comment

Before going to college, my grandma tried to talk me out of going to Colorado. She said it was too far away, leaving your family isn’t fair. Two years into my time at DU, I have learned she couldn’t be further from the truth.

I grew up in a suburb of Kansas City. My idea of a fun Friday night included cheering at my high school football game celebrating at Sonic nearby. I was content. I enjoyed my family, my friends, my comfort zone. But ever since I was little, I knew there was more.

I saw on TikTok a quote someone posted that read “Let’s normalize leaving our hometown to experience new things alone.” I opened the comments expecting a lot of praise and agreement, but I was met with hate and vicious messages. To summarize, many believe that leaving people you love is selfish and outdated. It is best to stay at home where you “belong.” But where do we belong? There is nothing written on the walls of our childhood rooms that this is where you are supposed to be. No law says that you can’t try other places on for size.

When I was accepted to the University of Denver, my family was skeptical. I am a homebody, so they were worried that I would want to be at home all the time. I did get homesick. There were times when I wished I stayed closer to home. I missed my friends, my family, and especially my dog. Leaving the place and the people I’ve spent 18 years of my life with was difficult, but I stuck it out and learned that the people who really care for you will always be around, no matter the distance.

To anyone worrying about studying abroad, or even going to a different college than most high school friends: don’t make your decision based on “what ifs.” Don’t let the fear of missing a championship game in your city or the passing of your childhood dog keep you from trying new things. Don’t let the worry of losing friendships stop you: if they are real, you’ll never lose them. I always have a home to come back to. I always have a family to lean on, blood or not. I am made of who I was, who I am, and who I am learning to become. During my four months abroad, I will be learning who I want to become, and I will still carry with me who I was. I will keep reminders of the people who love me in the past and hold places for the people who will love me in the future. And I will always be from Kansas, no matter how many miles away.

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