With this journey coming to an end, I want to reflect on how much I’ve grown living here in Milan. Living abroad taught me independence, resilience and the benefits of stepping out of my comfort zone. Milan has been an incredible experience that opened my eyes to new cultures, people and opportunities, leaving me with memories I’ll cherish forever. I have created lifelong friendships, gained a deeper understanding of the world and discovered strengths I didn’t know I had. These times of being independent really taught me how to trust myself, make decisions with confidence and adapt to challenges on my own. From learning how to navigate a new city to managing daily life in a completely different culture, I’ve gained skills and confidence that will stay with me for a lifetime. My friends here have become like family, supporting me through every challenge and celebrating every success, making this experience even more meaningful. With all this being said, I am feeling bittersweet, knowing that while I’m excited to go home and see my loved ones, I’m also leaving behind a place and people that have become so special to me. This has just been a whirlwind of emotions, growth and unforgettable experiences that I will carry with me forever.
I also want to give a huge thank you to Gilman for truly making this all possible for me.