In Italy, Thanksgiving is clearly not celebrated. It is a little sad knowing that I am not home to be with family and eating all the yummy food but my time is coming to a close very soon abroad. Even though I may not be cooking at home or eating a big turkey dinner, I definitely have a lot to be thankful for, especially when I look back on these last three months abroad. (It is crazy to think I haven’t been home in months.)
1. My roommates and friends, I have made in Italy – I don’t know where I would be without their laughs, company, and friendships. They have all made being here and away from all my friends at home much easier.
2. My amazing teachers (specifically in Photography because my skills having improved enormously) – You can see from these two pictures: the first, I took in the first week of class and had no idea how to work photoshop, so my editing skills were poor; the second one I just took last week. I am so thankful for my classes and the things that I have learned because they are very different experiences than what I see at U of I.
3. Italian Food – I do not think I need to go into much detail here. It is amazing, and I am lucky to be in a country that finds value in delicious food and taking the time to sit with friends and family to enjoy it at the end of a long day.
4. My family – I honestly don’t think I would even be studying abroad right now if it were not for the love and support (emotionally and financially) that my family has given me. It doesn’t matter what hour of the day I reach out to them; they are always there to talk or listen to another stupid story of mine (or bond over eating our favorite candy, Dad).
5. The support of all my friends back home – you all know who you are. Your Facetimes, texts, and Snapchats have made this time fly by for me. I miss you all so much, and it is an amazing feeling knowing that I will be home in a couple of days and no longer a couple of months.
Clearly, I have multiple things in my life to be thankful for, even more outside of this simple list. I am headed off to Interlaken, Switzerland for the weekend. As my last trip when I’m abroad, it is a bittersweet feeling. I hope everyone has safe travels and a great time with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!
