An End?

*Cliche Alert - An Apology for the Very Disney Movie Feel*

Not too long ago I was talking about the many "firsts" that would be happening throughout my journey. Now, alas, it is time to move those away and talk about the "lasts". The last class. The last weekend. The last goodbyes. It seems like only yesterday that I was expressing my feelings, doubts, and hopes for this year, but now it is time to look forward to my many more adventures and see what this world has in store for me. For a moment though, I do want to dwell on this experience, while sitting in my very white, very empty room here in Lugano for what could be the last time.

This experience...where to begin. These past 8 months have tried me through and through, with some of the best ups and worst downs one could imagine. But taking this time now to look back, there are no regrets. I would not have given this up for the world. I have learned a great deal about friendships, about myself and my limits, about looking at different people and cultures with excitement and not ethnocentrism, but most importantly, I have learned so much about appreciating home. It is so cliche, but so incredibly true that you appreciate something even more when you don't have it. And this was the case for the life back at home. I had always felt close to my family, friends and environment while there, but being away for this time has really shined new light on things, and made me feel that much more connected to it.

So, as this door of opportunities closes, a new one somewhere will open. Where? Well, this I cannot tell you. I really have yet to make a decision. With all of my studies and my attempts at taking the most out of this last few days here, I have pushed that decision aside for the time being and will make that decision back in the states. I can tell you that I have been accepted to Madison, however, contradicting with a previous post, the two school are back at a level playing field. I am torn 100%. This decision making thing is much harder that I thought...

This is definitely not a goodbye from me, though. I will continue this for sometime yet. Filling in the gaps that I have left over this past few weeks (again, my apologies), and letting you know where this next fall will take me.

But for now, it is almost time to say "Good Bye" to this place. Its spirit. Its scenery. Its amazing people. You know a place has affected you when it is harder and harder to let it go. I honestly never thought that was going to happen. While with my countdowns, my constant thoughts of home, and everything to look forward to, I now feel this strange and strong bond to this place - something that I feel sad to let go. But, I must. It is time to say "So long" here and welcome on the new opportunities, struggles, and goals that my life will bring. No regrets.