The end of my junior year is approaching quickly. So quickly that this whole year just passed by in a blink of an eye. I feel like I almost missed it. However, I now have completed 24 issues of The Gannon Knight, played Ultimate Frisbee three days a week all year and took 32 credits. If it weren’t for those things, I would say I skipped a year.
A few weeks ago, during scheduling week, I noticed that almost all my classes I had left were electives. So I decided to take advantage of it.
I decided that I want to get a minor or possibly two. One of my favorite classes so far has been marketing and I also want to open my own business one day. The easy decision I made was to get a double minor in marketing and entrepreneurship.
Although these are not definite, I am still excited about them. After I made those choices, I made a much larger one. I decided that I will be getting those minors in another country.
Next semester I will be studying in Rome. The classes I will be taking should fit in perfectly for my minors.
Excited isn’t a good enough word to describe how I feel. This experience will be unforgettable.
I have lived at home throughout my college career. I commute every single day and never lived on my own. Now I will be forced to live on my own without the option of going home or getting help.
I’ll be in a different country. Learning a language, experiencing a new culture and seeing new things will be worth every homesick feeling I get.
The amount of support I have received from my friends, family and boyfriend has been heartwarming. The biggest concern I had going into this was whether they would support me.
My Baba is the only one who hasn’t been 100 percent supportive. She is in complete denial still, but we just tend to ignore her comments. A very common thing she has been saying is “You might not even be going, so don’t talk about it.” Drives me crazy when she says that.
I just made my schedule for when I’m in Rome. This week I am getting ready to apply for my living visa. I am also looking at places that I want to visit on weekends and things to do while I’m there.
I found a pickup Ultimate Frisbee group that plays on Sundays in a park. Since the university doesn’t have a team, this is the next best thing. In fact, I think this couldn’t be more perfect.
The realization of leaving is hitting me hard as finals are approaching. I’m sad to be leaving everyone I know but I know this experience is once in a lifetime and will be unforgettable.
KAT SHINDLEDECKER
