Sono Io.
12/18/2008 7:08:28 PM

My room is no longer mine. It belongs to the next person who will live here, whomever that may be, and I have been instructed to leave no trace of myself here when I depart. A ship in the night, I am. My suitcases are packed, my goodbyes have begun and my exams are over - though, to the displeasure of my roommates, I still have Italian class tomorrow at 9am at the IE. I don't mind. But then, I'm not someone who minds inconveniences like that.

My having lived in Firenze means nothing to the city itself. I made no lasting impact here (and had no illusions of ever doing so, of course.) Spending so much time at the IE left me feeling distanced from FUA and with few American friends on which to make an impression, but I don't mind that at all. I didn't come here to hang out with Americans. I didn't come here for the four month frat party. I didn't come here for a vacation. I didn't come here to change the world. I came here for me.

What did I learn? It's hard to quantify, but I've never been more certain of who I am and what makes me the person I am after living here. Mostly through my life-changing experience in the language immersion class, I've discovered aspects of my personality that I didn't even know existed. I've come to realize how much my religion, family, friends mean to me. I know now where my passion truly lies - with the horses - and what I enjoy but am talentless in: digital media. I have observed my own capacity to learn a new language, and I have learned what I am capable of when thrown into a truly overwhelming situation. My worldview has changed drastically, and I feel more independent and confident than ever before. I had to get knocked around a little in order to facilitate these changes, but in the end I am a better person for having done this. Italy has left its mark on my soul.

I am different, but not changed. I am wiser, but not pretentious. I am capable, but not over-confident. I am me, and now I truly know just who that person is.

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