Half point mark!

My thoughts are both "five more months until I'm finally home!" and "Wow five more months then I go back home"

I won't lie to you all. I am struggling a lot here. I use social media to show my good parts, and I try to express how I feel here on this blog. It has been really hard being here. I miss my family and friends, I miss all my cute pets, I miss school sports, I miss the variety of food, I miss soccer practice, and I miss my freedom I use to get in the USA.

There have been moments when I think about my time here, feeling like I am not enjoying myself to the fullest. There was a big moment when I was fully sure I would stay only for a semester. I felt that if I left, I will feel like my exchange was unfinished and everyone would be disappointed. Thanks to the support back at home, I have realized that that is not the case. The fact that I have been here for 5 months/a semester is an accomplishment itself. And Ive changed my mindset in order to finish out my stay.

There have been good parts as well though. Ive made friends within the exchange student program, and I would've definitely left if I didn't have them. Ive made some friends in school and I always enjoy when students find out I'm from America because they ask all these questions about what life is in the USA. When I get to travel around Italy, I have the best time. Italy is such a beautiful place with beautiful people and when I get to experience that I feel so grateful that I am able to do this exchange. My host family is absolutely amazing. Yes, we are 7 in all but I have the best time.

Many people have messaged me about wanting to do an exchange. My response to all of them is always "Yes". I see the world differently now, Ive learned how to take care of myself and use my resources to my advantage. My struggles have made me a stronger person. Ive learned so much about the Italian culture, and its so great when I accomplish a goal that I set for myself before my exchange. Obviously it will get hard at some points, but you will have support from back at home and in your host country. So I hope that all of you consider doing an exchange because its a good learning experience.

This blog was to share my experience with you all. Talk about my struggles, accomplishments, goals, the places I visit, and more. Please tell me if there is anything you want me to share in my future blogs!

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