I had the opportunity to go to Italy when I was 17, and it changed my life forever. Prior to the trip, I was clueless about the world around me. What keeps me motivated and excited about life is knowing that such a majestic place exists. I imagine the moment one finds their soulmate in life is similar to the moment in which I visited Italy. The entire country is my soulmate.

When it was time to leave, I remember the drive to the airport. It was in the early early hours of the morning. While everyone else on the bus was asleep, my heart was breaking. It was the first time away from my parents for such a long time, the first time I had ever been out of the country, and the first time in which I felt as if I belonged.

People always say “Follow your dreams” “Fight for what you want” etc etc etc… My biggest dream in life is to move to Italy. I feel like everyone around me thinks I’m crazy because of it. I need to “find a career path first”, and “focus my time on where my life is headed”. Obviously important things, but sometimes you’ve just got to listen to your heart. My heart belongs in Italy. In Europe. And I need to keep telling myself that it WILL happen.

I guess my point is that I know my heart is not alone in yearning for a place thousands of miles away. I hope all those who dream of deeply experiencing other cultures will get the chance.

Follow your dreams, whatever they may be. And if you feel like no one in the whole world believes in you, I always will.

xo

G