Para-Para-Paradise

There we were eating gelato and planning our lives as midnight approached in Milan,Italy. I kept looking around in a state of disbelief, here I was surrounded by 3 of my best friends in the world, experiencing something I had only dreamed about.

This weekend, one of my best friends, Grace, came to visit myself, Hannah and Theresa in Milano. I cannot fully express how right all of us being together again felt. We had last seen Grace as she drove away from Smith Hall at the end of last semester. Fast forward through 6 months of growth, loss and distance and you find us there, in a gelateria, eavesdropping on English speakers with american-sounding accents.

We had a very chill weekend, we introduced Grace to Italy's finest in pastries, pasta and night life. Friday night was spent waiting in anticipation for Grace to arrive at Malpensa. When she finally did, we became those obnoxious airport people who hug each other multiple times and squeal in delight. The next night we had dinner with some friends and headed out to the Navigli (Canal District) of Milan. Sunday was a pastry party and Monday was a whirlwind tour of the city.

Today, somewhere a midst the evening rush of tourists and locals, I stop and stare at the cathedral beside me. My eyes start to water and I’m startled by my emotional reaction. I’ve seen this building dozens of times since living in Milan, but somewhere it hit me, this is what I’ve always wanted. When I was a little kid clutching the book “Bloomability” as I slept at night, I dreamed of this. I knew somehow, despite being poor, despite what everyone said, despite the fact that so many people never leave Newark, I knew it would happen. I wanted it so badly.

When I chose to stay in Washington to work so I could go abroad, I knew I was risking my relationship. I knew I was going to distance myself from my family.

But I was just a girl with a dream, and I can’t believe it has come true.

Sometimes it isn’t always to give up something you love for something you dream about, but sacrifices have to be made on your journey.

In the end, I still have my family, I still have my best friends and I’ve gained the experience of a lifetime. I’ve worked so hard to get here and I feel so lucky and blessed and happy.