The Time of My Life
Date
June 25, 2015
By Amanda C., Umbra Institute Summer, Italy
As I sit here writing this, looking over the most gorgeous view that I have had the opportunity to take for granted, I am reflecting upon this great gift I have received. I am so fortunate to have been able to study here in Perugia for the past five weeks. I didn’t realize how fast it would fly by. I didn’t realize all of the opportunities I would have to travel, to see other areas of Italy, and to explore small towns all over my region. I feel so lucky, so privileged to have been able to do this.
This experience has shown me a lot about myself that I didn’t know. I am fiercely independent and strong, where I may have thought I was dependent and needy before. I have traveled to cities alone, I have stepped out of my comfort zone in social situations, I have tried to communicate with people who do not speak my language. I have done my best to experience another culture in the best way possible. I have reflected every step of the way. I have laughed. I have smiled in the wind. I have seen countless gorgeous views like the very one I sit before now. I have seen the most famous fresco in the world. I have seen the David. I have climbed to the top of the island of Capri. I have tasted fresh limoncello from a lemon grove. I have eaten countless pastries. I have had gelato at least once a day and sometimes twice. I have consumed pounds of pasta. I have tried stinky cheeses, and various breads. I have hiked through the Tuscan countryside…
I have done so many things here in such a short amount of time, but above all, I have grown. Studying abroad has thrown me into a whole other world, and I am viciously soaking up everything around me like a sponge. I have gotten so much out of this experience in Italy. I am enjoying it, I am living it, I am experiencing everything around me as vividly and as loudly as possible. And for all of this, I am so thankful.
Amanda Campbell is a student at Arcadia University and is blogging from her summer abroad at the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy.
These pieces were created by student contributors. The views and opinions expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Arcadia Abroad.