By Adaeze
Can you believe study abroad is almost over? I don't even want to think about it, especially since the weather has been so nice!
Looking back on my original post, I realize that I still identify myself the same way in terms of race and ethnicity. Now, it's a little different. When I wrote that post, I also identified myself with who I was friends with, who I was dating, etc. There was always a label that I identified with. Being in Paris has had a way of stripping me of those labels.
Leaving my friends, my family, my comfort zone has definitely opened my eyes a lot more and allowed me to learn so much about myself. I've learned how to pick my battles wisely, do things by myself and for myself, sit for a while and just observe. I've learned that I don't need labels to identify me. I'm dynamic, fluid, ever-changing. I've also learned to be more light-hearted. A lot of people here are so free and open, and being here has allowed me to adopt those qualities too!
I think the hardest part of leaving Paris and the community that I've made here is the atmosphere. Honestly, there is nothing in the US that even comes close to my community in Paris or Europe as a whole. The dynamic is definitely different. Of course, it'll be hard to leave behind the amazing food and the cheap travel prices. Seriously, the price of a plane ticket from Paris to Greece is the same price as a train ticket home from D.C.
Honestly, keeping in touch would be so hard without technology (thanks, Facebook). I'll make sure to stay connected to my community here by social media (thank God for technology) and hopefully visiting Paris again soon!