Coming Home
The one memory that I will never forget about this trip to France is this view. The first day I came, when I finally got out of the airport, off the train, lugging around over 120 pounds of luggage, after being up for almost 48 hours straight, not eating for about 12 straight, stepping out of the train station and seeing this sight made me cry. The only thing I could think was, "I'm home." It was a knee-jerk response, and I knew it was right. It's for this reason that I know study abroad programs are valuable non-academically. I have learned how to properly pack for a year abroad. I have learned more French. I have learned about cultural differences. I have learned how to stand up for myself, even when dealing with language barriers. I have gained more pride in my own country. Most of all, I have learned how to be an adult. And this picture will always remind me of my first adult "home."