Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

As a little girl, I always thought that being alone meant feeling lonely. But since moving abroad, I’ve learned the opposite. My first solo trip to Scotland, which turned out to be one of my fondest memories, marked the beginning of my personal growth with that.

I used to fear being alone. Perhaps it came from not having siblings, but I think it also stemmed from a deeper desire to be loved and accepted by everyone. So, whenever I found myself alone with my thoughts, I immediately assumed the worst–that others didn’t want me around.

So when the opportunity arose to travel to London from Florence, I was nervous. I knew no one in my group was interested in joining me on a trip to Scotland, but something inside me felt a pull—a calling to go. I knew this was my chance to visit a place I had always dreamed of seeing, but I also faced a difficult choice: go, or let the opportunity slip away because of fear of the unknown and supposed loneliness.

The thought of exploring a new place alone, especially the idea of taking a five-hour train ride by myself, was daunting. But I finally opened the app on my phone, added round-trip tickets to my cart, and after staring at them for what felt like hours I had a moment of clarity: do it.

And so, I did.

I bought the tickets.

The morning of my trip, I packed my day bag, grabbed a coffee and a cinnamon roll, and made my way to the train station. As soon as I boarded, a wave of happiness washed over me, and I knew at that moment I had made the right choice. Just a few days earlier, the idea of doing something like this had seemed unimaginable. But now, as I sat there, I felt a deep sense of pride in the courage I had discovered within myself.

It was then that I truly realized how much I had grown during my time abroad.

Finally, after a scenic train ride and many songs later, I arrived in Edinburgh. I spent the day soaking it all in—taking a bus to the highlands, dining alone at a table, wandering through medieval streets and shops. It was beyond anything I could have imagined.

Thus, that trip became my favorite memory, and it never would have happened if I hadn’t sat with myself and realized that life doesn’t wait for you, so when you want something–get it.

Take the risk, and savor every moment.

I would like to take a moment and profess my extreme thankfulness to the Speros Fund for being my donors for this wonderful experience abroad, I had the honor of meeting them both during my time 1 here and was so glad to hear of their stories and love for Florence–a love that I’ve also grown to feel while being here. Thank you so much again, I will remember my time here forever and how it was made possible by the two of you believing in me and my future.