Student Bloggers

Currently Studying at: Arcadia in Rome, Italy

Homeschool: Temple University

What time is it?! It’s March already?! We have how many days until we leave for the U.S.?! These are just some of my though these past few days as I look up and realize that midterms are rapidly approaching us. Since being in Rome, I have made friendships that I believe will last longer than this program does, and I have trips coming up that I never thought I would be able to go on in the next lifetime, let alone this one. So why is it that I find myself sitting in pockets of sadness and loneliness, especially when many would say that I should be happy to even have this opportunity.

“What is there to be sad about? You’re in Rome?!”

As much as I want to agree with that statement, respectfully, I have to disagree. Sometimes, I get sad because I am out of routine, I am out of my circle. Back in Philadelphia, where I go to school, I have a set plan, I am surrounded by people who I’ve known since orientation, or maybe even high-school. I have a job. I have my step-team– The Ladies of Elegance, and I have my favorite smoothie truck that I get a large mixed berry smoothie from every Tuesday and Thursday from after my morning class. Although it doesn’t seem like much, it’s my world. Here, although I am having the time of life by visiting buildings that stood before my great-great grandparents were even a thought in their parent’s minds, I can’t help by miss the familiarity of my world. Social media doesn’t help because it shows that all of your friends are hanging without you and you cannot help but feel lonely when you the only one from your school in your abroad program.

Needless to say, it is valid. The feeling of being left out, the homesickness that hit you at random times of the day, sometimes sparked by a smell or a sound. What I have learned is that the best way to comfort this is to spend some time alone, write, reflect, and breathe. Since being in a country, such as Italy, that are in such proximity to, not only, many other countries, but other continents, I had the instinct to visit somewhere different every single weekend.

“I will never have an opportunity to ‘country-hop’ in my life, I am young, why not now?”

Again, a valid thought. It caught up to me, though. I have class Monday through Wednesday, I have to pack and do homework for all 5 classes and then, finally try to fit every “must-see” of a new country in the 72-hour weekend. Then repeat. Non-stop. It’s exhausting.

Even though, my flights are already booked (I am precocious), I make sure that I take the time to write in my journal, spend some time alone, which can be difficult in a program that encourages new friendships and connections. This could look like going on a walk (with or without music), getting up before your roommates and reading or meditating, or simply saying ‘no’ to plans that they make, I promise they will not take offense. If proper relaxation and reflection are not prioritized, like making sure you make your flight on time, those pockets of sadness might catch up to you when you least expect it. I learned the hard way.