Finding myself in Rome: Studying abroad as a first gen student

Studying abroad had always been something I thought about but never had the courage to try. I loved the idea of traveling and learning somewhere far from home, especially since both Universities I have attended have been commuter schools. I yearned for a sense of independence.

Before transferring to UIC, I went to another smaller University in the suburbs. It was a more expensive university, yet it didn't offer many programs. It was once I transferred to UIC that I told myself that I would consider studying abroad, since UIC was more affordable. I started browsing my options to see what was available. The next thing I knew, I was attending a meeting with a study abroad advisor and applying to different programs. I found Art and Architecture in Rome and submitted my application. I figured I would only apply and didn't think of what was next. A few days later, I got the email that I had been accepted into the program. That's when I realized I would actually go abroad.

The weeks leading up to the departure were filled with informational meetings, online forms, and prepping for my month away. I met a few people who would be in my cohort, but I didn't meet most of them until the morning of our flight. It was there that I met the strangers I would be spending the next three weeks with.

I was not nervous to travel. It was my first time traveling outside of the US and Mexico, and my first time traveling alone. It would also be the longest time I had been away from home. My parents didn't believe it when I told them I was leaving, and honestly, I didn't really think it would happen either.

Landing in Rome felt like stepping into a dream, a very jet-lagged dream. I wasn't prepared for the time difference. None of us slept during the flight, so our first day there was spent as an all-nighter. We all struggled to stay awake during our first day's welcome presentation, but the excitement of exploring a new city kept us going.

Throughout the trip, we studied art and architecture. We explored different churches, museums, and historical sites. I am a business major, and I was the only one in my group. I had never studied the things we learned, but it was a nice break from my usual finance, accounting, and marketing classes.

Our professor from Rome was one of the kindest and smartest people I've ever met. She honestly is what made learning fun. Our chaperone from the partner school was pretty cool too; he fit in with our group quickly and gave us a little more insight into Italian culture.

There were many late-night walks through the city, spontaneous trips, and evening exploring Roman nightlife. I experienced Rome in the day, at night, in the rain, and in the summer heat. I even got to attend the Pope's inaugural Mass, sit in the chairs set up in St. Peter's Square, and even received communion from the priests. I know it sounds clichéd, but I truly fell in love with my time abroad. I found friends within my study abroad group, most of whom I still talk to and hang out with today. I don't want to be that study abroad kid, but Rome changed me in ways I didn't expect. It made me more independent, confident, and more sure of who I want to become.

I'm already planning to go abroad after I graduate. Rome is the first of many solo trips.