| | It has been far too long since I have posted a blog. First off I should say that the new semester for us here in Florence officially started today. We have all chosen our courses to take at our Sede, and the course we will be taking at the University of Florence. Myself and the other 19 girls are also occupied with various volunteering jobs we have signed on for as well as enjoying Italian friends, good food, parties, longer days, and pointing out the new American students who have just arrived. It is funny to think all that has changed for us Smithies in just one semester.
Since January I finished all of my final exams (a whopping 9 finals - 5 papers and 4 written exams). It almost killed me but obviously I'm still here. I joined a gym in the center (finally) which was absolutely necessary not only because I have been missing my sports teams but I figured I could meet some new people and get in shape for our trip to Sicily right before I head back to campus for graduation. My lovely mother came to visit me! We had the most amazing week together - and absolutely the best weekend I have ever had in Italy. At the recommendation of my host father, we rented a car and visited 14 little towns in Tuscany that you can only get to if you know about them and without a train or bus in sight. We enjoyed the terra cotta shops, the wine stores, the cheese!, and the convent coverted hotels. So relaxing and interesting and great to be doing it all with my mother. Even college seniors love a little Mom bonding time.
Today when I got home, there was a card on my desk from my dear friend Erika. Her words really reminded me that during this busy time in a senior's life when we are preoccupied with the Job Search and tearing ourselves away from life at Smith, true friends should really be the focus. At one point she wrote (I hope she doesn't mind I'm sharing): "I don't worry about any of us. It might take a bit more time, but time we've got. I am more worried about the next time we will be able to eat a Sprinkles Cupcakes together." It almost brought tears to my eyes! This is so true! Smithies put in the effort - sometimes maybe too much effort. Therefore, we know we won't let ourselves down. We will be graduating from college and entering into an uncertain job market where we surely will not be jumping into the job of our dreams - but that is ok, we'll make it. What we should be doing in these last three months of college is strengthening the wonderful friendships we have made over the past 4 years and making sure that they last! I am so thankful for the friends at Smith who have kept in touch with me sharing silly, heartbreaking, congratulatory, stunning, stupid, and hysterical stories with me and send me packages (webcams and peanut butter cookies) and cards during this year abroad. It has given me a little glimpse into what life post-Smith will be like and I am not worried at all. |
