Epilogue: The End to one of the Best Chapters of my Life (so far!)

I thought about hundreds of stories or memories that I could share from this semester but none of them sum up the experience that I have been lucky enough to have and share with friends over the last four months. Words probably aren't a very adequate way of describing my adventures traveling across Europe and learning the very nooks and crannies of Barcelona so rather this is a very brief reflection on my time here! I would say my capabilities, interests, and personality was stretched to the limits this semester from extremes such as skiing in the Swiss alps to something as simple as being pushed in my photography class to take unique photographs that wouldn't be found plastered on a postcard. I traveled to six different countries if you include Spain and in doing so learned more about myself and the world than I could have imagined. Friends appeared in my life in each country whether they were old friends from home or new acquaintances such as the ones from Australia I met and still stay in contact with today from Lagos. I learned that I like testing myself, I love traveling and exploring, and finally that much to my parents dismay I am actually completely capable of doing almost everything and anything for myself. With this new-found independence however I have also learned the insignificance of distance in relationships both with family and friends. Yes, I am thousands away from most of my best friends but I have also spoken to them every single week and still know what color their dress was from our last sorority formal and other silly anecdotes like that. As far as family goes I can't say I am surprised that I still have the urge to skype with them for hours every day and when my family experienced two huge losses within the last two weeks of my time here I can honestly say I've almost never felt closer to them. Even though they're across the ocean all of their support and love extends all the way to my little apartment in Barcelona. To say the least, I feel as if I have been living in a dream world and have spent many hours reminiscing on how much I will miss this lively city that I have come to call home. On second thought however, I have realized everything from my experiences that I am taking back to my real home with me and that puts a smile on my face. I am no longer sad to be leaving Barcelona but purely thankful for everything the city has given me and excited for what is to come in my next chapter!

Adios!

Liz Romanczuk