Submitted by Brianna Ramirez on the 2016 fall semester study abroad program in Granada, Spain…
Only a few days until I return home and it will be extremely difficult to leave behind Granada. I leave a little piece of my heart in this city. When I got here, I remember counting down the days until I could leave and being so miserable because deep down I didn’t want to step outside of my comfort zone. Now Granada feels like home. Spain and its culture is quite different from what I was accustomed to and it took me until December to fully accept it and enjoy it. Sure, there were good times during the semester, but it was mixed with bouts of homesickness. However, I regret nothing since my struggles this semester were times of growth.
I have spent my final days checking off a list of places I wanted to go to and spending time with the people that have made my experience memorable. I returned to the Alhambra and reveled in its beauty. I have gone to my favorite places for tapas. I watched as they lit up the Christmas lights throughout the city and bought gifts for my family. Overall, I have been cherishing every minute and reflecting on this experience. My college experience would have been incomplete without study abroad.
