Although there is a word for "goodbye" in Galician (adeus), it is much more common to say "see you later" (ata loguiño), even when you don't know if you will see that person again or not. This was strange to me when I first moved to Spain and started hearing the phrase from cashiers and people on the street that I didn't even know. Now, though, I'm rather fond of it! Why not assume you will see someone again? Traveling internationally has led me to believe that the world is much smaller than we think. Maybe someday, somewhere, I will see you again.
If I am so lucky, I hope that when we meet in the future, you have grown from this experience. I hope the stories I have shared about life in Spain have inspired your interest in other cultures. Traveling abroad is a great way to educate yourself on another culture, and I would love for you all to do it at least once in your life. However, don't overlook the opportunities to engage with different cultures right where you are. The U.S. is a place of unique diversity, filled with people from all walks of life. Seek out these connections—listen, learn, and celebrate the richness of cultures around you. And don't forget to share your own!
