Autumn Semester

Sitting in a crowded airport in Germany where couples strangle me with their happiness, and planes are delayed from left and right I am only able to think about the memories and joy the autumn semester left me with. 

I remember getting off the plane. The plane took me from a place that drowned me. Never giving me the freedom to express myself. In a way, Italy saved me, once again I was taken to a place where I could sit on a bench and stare at the scenery I was happy to call home. Italy changed my perspective, again making me a better person.  The experiences and people I was able to call friends are what I cherish. But I think I will always remember, and reference frequently the letter my mother gave me before leaving. Leaving the house that allowed me to choose what I wanted to be in this world. Surrounded by unconditional love and family values that guided me to respect other cultures. 

"I want you to take a plunge at love, write a poem in places most can only dream of....and wherever you find yourself remember that your hand will always be a perfect fit in mine..."

                

                                               -

The leaves begin to fall. Underneath my feet, I feel the crunch-like orange and fiery branches that have fallen from the deciduous trees. Outside my tucans windows, I can see clear blue skies surrounded by the pops of color that make the scenery come to life. I have the doors a bit open so I can feel the cool Autumn breeze around my room.

November came to Florence faster than I could have ever imagined. What was green was turning to an ombre of yellow, orange, and light green; turning into a fiery red. 

The first few days in Florence were hectic. We had orientation and people were meeting each other for the first time. What was seen on a phone screen was now seen in person. Did I get asked if I was Mellak multiple times? Yes, yes I did. We were learning about each other every day. People were making their friend groups and surrounding themselves with people that matched their energy. 

Sitting on the bronze-green chairs right outside the Duomo I was surrounded by music, Italian, and my newly beloved friends I would soon miss after just being apart for 3 hours. As we sat at our first Italian restaurant. We could hardly speak the language. We ordered a bottle of wine and shared it amongst the four of us. None of us actually ever drank wine. We were a little shocked after taking the first few sips. We

had the grand idea to cheer's and name what we were thankful for. So that's exactly what we did. 

Looking back on that cool September night I see four best friends eager to explore and eager to make memories with each other. From playing cards, till 1am, to getting drunk at birthday parties and watching scary movies four nights in a row. We always seemed to value each other's company. Those long walks up Villa Bolognese 106 after gazing over the Ponte Vecchio with cold gelato in our hands. 

The trips I was able to experience.....Amsterdam and Rome. Amsterdam will always have a special place in my heart. The people I shared it with and the views I was able to witness with my own eyes. Rome was a trip I took with my best friend Henry. Together we ate amazing food and were able to see so much of Rome in just one day. I took trips to other cities and other countries, but my feet always found it's way back on those cobblestone roads that made up Florence. 

Holidays in Florence were somewhat bizarre because it always felt like we were living a different life. Halloween was the first American holiday we were able to spend in Italy. 

I went out the night of Halloween, dressed in a neon green silk top, straight leg light washed Levi's, hair halfway up and down, heels, and glittery makeup. I went out with a group of people to a club. We took the bus to San Marco and walked through Piazza Signoria. I made the mistake of wearing my beige heels through the cobblestone streets. My ex made fun of me the whole time. Catching me after tumbling through the cracks..... multiple times. 

That night was odd because it didn't really feel like Halloween, but we made it our own. Laughing in the line to get into the club and leaving early to hang out in Piazza Libertia. Sitting on a bench talking about the Piazza and life. Only a few miles from campus I walked my way up to Villa Bolognese in those beige heels. 

I spent a lot of time on benches in parks and on campus. Having talks till 2 am with someone I barely knew but wanted to know more about. Sitting on piazza benches with an Italian man that knew much about the city but little about me. I remember teaching him the word "slay." He was so excited to use the word "slay" with my best friends. Where in that moment we sat enjoying our favorite gelato place by the Ponte Vecchio. 

I loved the walks to class because the view and campus I walked every day were breathtaking. Dancing alongside the olive trees I and Henry rushed to Anichini's class. Walking down "Death Valley" with Mellak every morning. Remember the time I fell and watched Mellak look down surprised that I went down so fast. Though it's the bench by death valley that I will always remember.

That one green bench was where I spent a lot of time. Alone and with others it was invoked with memories of laughter and happiness. Sometimes there were some tears but mostly it's where I sat to think, write and socialize. 

Coffee is what kept us all alive. The amount of Cappucino pics I have on my phone is hilarious. From small cafes around Florence to the awful machine down in the cafeteria. I remember drinking the machine cafe for the first time thinking it was good then having it a couple days later...oh how bad it was.

Cibo (food). The food in Florence off-campus compared to food on campus is just wrong lol. The last few weeks on campus my friends and I would have 20 min roast sessions just talking about the food. It was so bad. But bad in a funny way. We sat in Mellaks dorm and called our parents showing them what they "fed" us. I can still hear my friends screaming as they said "What is this AHHHHH."

The Autumn semester in Florence taught me a lot about my adult self. It allowed me to make friends, explore, think and create. Learning not only about the culture but about myself. Sitting here in San Antonio I know that choosing the first year abroad was the right choice.