Some people seek change. They feel excited to make new friends, wear new outfits, and create new memories. I, on the other hand, find change to be quite intimidating. However, as I sit here, in a library in Rome, Italy, I’m forced to consider the fact that maybe I do like change, at least a little.
I remember moving away from my small town in southern New Jersey, where everyone knew everyone, I was never far from a farm, and going to Walmart was considered fun. Sure, I shed some tears (a lot, actually) but I knew Loyola University Maryland would become my home. I chose Loyola based largely on the impressive academics offered, as well as the opportunity to experience something new. At the time, that something new was Baltimore. From the restaurants to the museums, I fell in love with the stimulation. Never did I think I’d experience another new city during my time in college, but a few months later when my friend asked me, “Are you going to study abroad?” well, that’s where the adventure began.
I researched Loyola’s international programs for hours. Cork? Copenhagen? Paris? I clicked and scrolled, taking notes, and making charts, all the while telling myself it probably wouldn’t really be possible. Having only known my small town, and being very close to my family, I simply didn’t think I was the type of person to move across the globe for four months. Nonetheless, I kept looking, and when I began to explore Rome, my thoughts changed. The program offered the chance to attend an impressive university, with courses relevant to my studies, in the heart of Rome. Studying abroad is expensive, and I hesitated when considering the students loans that I’ll be paying off for years to come, but a voice in my head persisted. When I told my parents I wanted to apply to study abroad in Rome, their encouragement was the last thing I needed to commit to this dream.
So, despite a global pandemic, and my fear of change, here I am. I, along with over 20 other eager Loyola students, arrived in Rome on January 12th, after an 8-hour flight. The first day was a blur of paperwork and luggage, as we were shuttled from one place to the next like wandering cattle, until finally settling into our apartments.
It wasn’t until I was standing in front of the Colosseum the following night that I truly realized the incredible journey I’d begun. Rome is one of the most unique places I have ever been, and although I have not experienced an extensive list of cities to compare it to yet, I feel this statement will remain true for the rest of my life.
My apartment and John Cabot University are nestled in the picturesque streets of Trastevere. Trastevere looks exactly like the Italy seen in movies, so much so that I almost feel like I’m living in one. The streets are cobblestone, and beautifully crafted buildings rise on either side of you as you walk, clad in shades of yellows and tans. Ivy grows gracefully up walls, crawling towards the sun, and twinkle lights bring an enchanted feeling to evenings. From pastries to plants to boots, Trastevere has an abundance of shops and restaurants, and if you are willing to walk 15 minutes, you can always find what you need.
Personally, what I’ve needed most so far is Italian food, and there is no shortage here. As expected, pasta is extremely popular, with a plethora of pasta dishes available in nearly every restaurant. My parents
asked if I was tired of it yet, but the challenge of restraining myself from licking my plate after each meal supports my suspicion that I could never be tired of pasta. My favorite dish was a homemade spinach and mushroom ravioli at a little restaurant around the corner from my apartment. The freshness of the food is apparent, and the exquisite combination of flavors makes me doubt that I’ll ever be satisfied eating at an Olive Garden
again. Of course, I’ve been enjoying the pizza as well. Toppings such as mushrooms and broccoli dance on my tongue with each bite. My roommate thinks being in Rome makes the pizza taste even better, and I admit she may be right.
Even more enjoyable than the food, however, has been meeting new people. Having studied German throughout high school, I never learned any Italian despite my Italian heritage. I worried the language barrier would negatively impact my experience, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. Neighbors and employees are very friendly and seem to understand my efforts as they offer reassuring smiles and nods while I stumble through a poorly pronounced Italian sentence. I’m excited to grow in my abilities as I take an Italian course this semester and continue to be immersed in the language.
While I’ve only been here for a week, I feel a level of comfort I had not expected so soon. It’s incredible to go to authentic Italian restaurants and see astonishing historical sites, but I’ve also enjoyed cooking at home and finding a routine doing basic things like grocery shopping, homework, and laundry. My feelings are sure to fluctuate over these next four months, but after one week, what I feel most is content. So, if you’re a girl from a small town who has never left the east coast, considering doing something “impossible,” I’d like to personally tell you to go for it.
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