ISEP student Beatrice U. is a part of ISEP Voices Spring 2016. She is studying for a master’s in international relations at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and is currently studying abroad at Eckerd College in Florida.
I still remember the day when I got selected to come to Eckerd College this semester. I was on the train and I started crying tears of joy and astonishment. I could not believe that my dreams had finally come true and I would come to this amazing college in Florida! Soon after I found out, I met another Italian who attended Eckerd with ISEP two years ago. I was surprised when he asked me if I was ready to study at Eckerd because it was going to change my life forever. I didn’t believe him at first but now, at the end of my experience here, I can honestly tell you that I have never heard something so true in my entire life.
These five months in Florida have been wonderful and I have never felt so happy, alive and free as I am here at Eckerd. This college has changed my perception of life. I feel so blessed to be here, so I enjoy every day and make it count, before it’s gone. Also, the people here are simply awesome! I cannot deny that some of them are pretty crazy, but in a good way. I made so many good friends here that I feel like I am leaving a piece of my heart for each one of them. Words cannot describe exactly what it means to study at Eckerd, and it has been a real whirlwind of emotions to me. I have felt completely overwhelmed at points, almost like I was in a permanent daydream. I know this was something very special and I just do not want to put an end to it. But above all, I really don't want to leave this place and all the people I love. I wish I could turn back time and get stuck in this dream forever, but life must go on. I will go back to Italy completed changed, and I will hold on to the amazing memories forever.
Eckerd College changed my life, and I want to dedicate this final post to all my new amazing friends. Thank you for all the emotions, laughs, hugs and tears. Thank you for the dinners, parties and unforgettable sunsets at South Beach. Thank you for having taught me to think of snakes as pets, the time we spent kayaking in the bay and playing tennis, the study sessions before finals, the crazy experiences and the wonderful moments we had together. You have taught me to be grateful for every single breath I take in the amazing life I am living.
I am going to miss you all and you should trust me when I say that you will always have a special place in my heart!
Beatrice
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