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Goodbye Morocco, Hello USA

By abbymarco

It is hard to believe that I only have one week left of my program here in Morocco. It seems like just yesterday that I was walking through the crazy medina for the first time, overwhelmed and nervous for the next four months. Despite all of the challenges about studying abroad here, I look back on all that I have done with such fond memories and truly appreciate all that I have learned here.

That being said, I am definitely looking forward to returning home to Philadelphia soon. I guess it’s true what they say- distance really does make the heart grow fonder. Before I left for this amazing adventure, I was so excited to leave GW and my home for a while; I desperately needed a change. After being away for so long, I have now realized all of the things I have taken for granted at home over the years.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I have always had this perception that home is boring, that there is nothing to do ever and that places in other parts of the world are way for exciting. While there may be some truth to that, living in a new country has inspired me to seek out new adventures at home. Despite living in Philadelphia for 21 years and spending my college years in DC, I am certain that I have only experienced a small fraction of what those great cities have to offer. “Fun” is not just handed out to us; we have to seek out new experiences and adventures, and such endeavors are possible anywhere in the world, even home. Thus, among the many things I have learned while living abroad, I have been given a new appreciation for where I am from and a renewed yearning for exploring my home cities for deeply.

But, goodbyes are never easy. Even though I am excited to go home and reunite with my friends and family, I have dreading saying goodbye to my host family and to the amazing friends I have made here. It is weird to think about how close I have grown to people that five months ago, I had never even met. As I prepare to leave, I am making it my goal to spend as much time with the people that matter most to me here over this next week while visiting some of my favorite places in the city. I want to end this experience on a positive note, so I will spend the next few days soaking up every last bit of what my temporary home has to offer.