Submitted by Caleigh Bauer on the 2020 spring semester study abroad program in Rome, Italy…
Every year, I look forward to my birthday and celebrating a new year in my life. This year was particularly special because I was able to spend it with both old and new friends here in Rome! It was different this year since I could not celebrate with my parents for the first time, but I was really lucky that I had friends willing to visit me in Rome for the weekend while they are studying abroad throughout Europe. It was great to have a piece of home with me, but I especially loved that I was able to celebrate with the new friends I have met here.
I always worried that it would be hard to make new friends while abroad for the semester, but in my few short weeks here, I can already say that I have built friendships that I will definitely bring back to the University of Delaware with me. Everyone was so kind and willing to ring in my birthday with me on Sunday night. I feel very lucky to have been able to celebrate with so many great people and look forward to the opportunities that study abroad will bring me this year!