If you’re anything like me, you’re head over heels in love with your college (or at least I hope so) and the thought of not being on campus for a semester is unfathomable. The only possible reason that could cause me to give up a semester at one of my favorite places is the chance to study abroad.
On August 2nd, 2017 Hobart and William Smith Colleges was ranked number 1 overall in the study abroad programs that they offer for their students by Princeton Review’s 2018 edition of “The Best 382 Colleges.” This semester I am taking full advantage of my college’s ranking as I am studying and living abroad in Rome, Italy.
I am beyond excited to fully immerse myself in Italian culture, challenge myself, and see how much I will grow as a person over the next three and a half months. The food, the rich history and culture, and the option to literally country hop on the train for the weekend is enough to keep me awake every night I am here. With all of the hustle and bustle, you would never guess that I would have a fear of missing out (FOMO) about anything on my campus, but when you love your campus that much, it’s a struggle.
My program, unlike some other programs at my school, started after all the students had already arrived back at HWS, so while I was still continuing my summer job, a lot of my friends were back on campus experiencing that fall semester-happy-to-be-back buzz.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand how incredible an opportunity I have laid out in front of me and how my journey has barely even begun. Still, I couldn’t help but feel that wave of sadness wash over as I finally came to terms with the fact that I would not be returning to campus this fall. The fear of missing out is something that I think affects a lot of college students in this generation, mostly due to social media. Someone can make anything look like a great time, and you can constantly see what you are missing out on.
In my two short days abroad I have already come to the realization of how easy it is to take things for granted. I am sitting in one of the most beautiful cities in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Not returning to my favorite place this fall is the greatest FOMO I have ever experienced in my short twenty years, but I think I will get over it soon as I am eating a slice of pizza and walking over the Tiber River. Geneva can wait a few more months!