A Continued Countdown

Can I love people I’ve never met? Is it possible to feel home at a place I have yet to arrive? I think (and hope) the answer is yes. I love my family, my school, my city, my life to be in Italy. I am 24 days and counting away from departure.

Carla & Luca with their daughter Bianca, son
Federico and host daughter Holly

Famiglia. The Pieris seem a lot like my own family; their dynamics are very family-oriented. Staying true to Italian tradition, meal time is family time. In addition, they gather with lots of family and friends on Sundays from what I understand. They write to me saying, "siamo, anzi, saremo la tua nuova famiglia, il prossimo anno," which translates to, "a great big welcome from us, for next year we will be your new family." Every letter closes with "baci e abbracci" (hugs and kisses). They are so friendly that I already feel welcome. Ironically, Bianca has been inspired to take a host year herself; she will be studying here in America while I am living in Italy in her house with her family in her room basically living her life. But yet, I may not ever officially meet her… weird!

Scuola. Liceo Scientifico Statale is only a short walk and train ride away from home. You can imagine my anxiety when I expected a scientifically focused school based on its name. TRICKED YA! It’s actually a Social Science school, meaning my classes will study things like psychology. Sounds good to me! Helloooo public school, meet your worst nightmare (aka a homeschooled jungle freak).

Most days this still feels pretty unreal. I go to sleep in my bed and cannot wrap my head around the idea that I’ll be making myself comfortable in a completely different place next month. I pass the piles of clothes already building on my floor, waiting to be squished into my suitcase, and think it’s so weird that I’m leaving. My family is 100% confident in me and my friends are finally coming around to the Italy idea as they let go of their weepy “but you’re missing my senior year!” nonsense. I have yet to even apply for my Visa, I am not at all prepared for school and my language skills are extremely basic. However, I could not be happier, more comfortable, more supported or more ready to go. September 7th will be here before we know it! 

It’s the road ahead and the road behind.

It’s the first step and the last and every one in between, 

because they all make up the good life.