As my fall semester comes to an end, all I can think about is my unforgettable trip to Europe—a month-long adventure that I now realize I took for granted. The people I met, the food I tasted, and the countless memories I made linger in my mind.
I often reflect on the beauty of that time. I’ll never again be a twenty-year-old standing in Rome, Italy, visiting the beautiful park next to my university in between classes, stopping by the cafe and eating a cacio e pepe watching locals walk by, surrounded by European friends whose paths I’ll likely never cross again. It’s a bittersweet feeling of sonder, the profound awareness of others’ lives being as rich and complex as our own.
Each stop on my journey felt transformative. In Barcelona, I experienced life in a way that expanded my worldview. Split, Croatia, was no different, with its stunning scenery and vibrant culture leaving an indelible mark on my soul. I will never forget this perfect kabob place right next to my airbnb. I’ll never forget our snorkeling trip we took with all my study abroad friends. Even my chaotic encounter at the Paris airport became a shared tale—because apparently, everyone has one!
Among the highlights of my trip was forging friendships with fellow study-abroad students from Alabama, who now feel like a little piece of Europe I get to carry back with me. Back on campus, seeing them reminds me of those carefree days.
I’ll never forget how I sobbed on the train to the Rome airport, dreading my return to America. All the locals staring at me definitely thought I was leaving a boyfriend or husband. That trip wasn’t just a journey; it was a chapter of growth, wonder, and fleeting moments that will stay with me forever. I now work hard to save up money to do another Europe trip when I graduate college. Europe, I’m counting down the days until we meet again.
