Bad News – 2/29

I am writing this after just attending a meeting where we got the worst news possible. Due to the spread of COVID-19, we the school is strongly advising us to return home. I never thought that the virus would make its way to Rome, but it did. We had been getting updates through our time in Rome about it, and how it was mainly centered in Northern Italy, around Milan and Venice. I think that all of the students who were abroad with me were wary of this fact, and we knew that our study abroad experience would be hindered in some way. But never did I think that this would cause us to come home. In the meeting, we could tell that all of the advisors and resident directors were just as upset as we were. That whole day feels like a fever dream to me. There was a lot of crying from not only myself but pretty much everyone who was there, and a lot of anger. I know that I was feeling both of these emotions because I had been looking forward to this experience for as long as I could remember, and it felt like it was being ripped away from me. I didn’t think it was fair at all. I understand the directors wanting us to return home as soon as possible though, because of the fear that borders might close, or we may not be able to return home. I went back to my room, called my parents, and the day floated by so quickly. I wanted to enjoy my last couple of nights there, so we went out to dinner and explored the city a few last times before heading home. We found out this news on a Saturday, and my flight was scheduled home on Tuesday. On Monday, we spent the whole day in the city, exploring places we loved, going back to the Vatican and doing some very last-minute shopping. We truly made the best of the last day even though it was gloomy all day. All of this even feels like a blur but looking back I think it was the last way to end my time in Rome. I am utterly heartbroken and sad for the experiences that all of us will miss out on but am trying to stay optimistic that one day I will return.