Today was comprised of a lot of travel and a lot of sadness for leaving. All of us were trying to find a way to get left behind. I tried to pay Mr. Hesting to “forget” me, but he sadly said no. All of the sadness comes from this being one of the best trips I have ever been on. I have traveled throughout my life, and this trip is definitely up top. I learned so much about life in general, not just the stuff we learned in the classroom. Anytime you are exposed to a new culture, you take a little home with you. I’m hoping to make all of the kindness that is a part of Italian culture part of my everyday life. This trip reminded me that Seminole, Florida, is not the entire world. There is more to life than getting good grades in school so I can go to college, even if that is what takes up most of my attention. Part of the American culture is to keep moving so you can make the best for yourself. While this definitely has its positives, it also has had some negatives. It has made me forget about the little thing in life, especially family. Just the simple act of sitting down at a table for dinner instead of at my homework desk could make a world of difference. This trip has made me refocus my life to see the really important things. It also reminded me how much I love to travel. We all know how short life can really be, so we need to see the world while we can. I want to travel before I get older and I am constricted by things like work or family or whatever. I always learn a little bit more about myself on these trips. I see my strengths and what I should work on for my weaknesses. It also is so nice to be around new faces. I genuinely enjoyed all of the other students and the teachers on the trip. I also became stronger in my faith. Even though I am not Catholic, all of the basilicas, artwork, and even atmosphere made me feel God’s presence. Overall, I have no negatives to say on the trip and feel extremely blessed for the opportunity.