“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”

This quote from Douglas Adams’ book, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul has always been one of my favorites.  I think it’s a great metaphor for life – you may not always end up doing what you plan or dream of doing, but you’re where you’re supposed to be.

This has been especially true for me during my time here at Gannon. Things here haven’t always been ideal, but everything works out in the end. This campus has come to be my second home, a place where I truly feel I belong. That’s what you have to look for when you decide on a college. While going to a big name school is great, it might not be what you need. Find a place that can be your home, a place where you are welcomed and loved.

Because I did find this with Gannon, getting ready to leave in February has been exceedingly difficult. It’s terrifying to think about leaving when I’ve made myself a home here. However, I know that when I return to school in the fall, my friends – my family – will still be there for me.

On the other hand, I am getting so excited to finally go to France! I’ve wanted to travel for a long time and for my first experience abroad to be the country I’ve always wanted to see is amazing. I’m going to be living right in the middle of Paris too, so I’ll get to do a lot of sight-seeing and museum-hopping. The school that I’m attending, The University of Paris-Sorbonne, is housed in a building constructed in the 17th century. It’s a stunning piece of architecture and I can’t believe it’s a school, especially compared to the much more modern architecture of Gannon’s campus. I’m planning on doing a lot of traveling whenever I get the chance, but I do have to go to class. I’m definitely going to London and Madrid and I’m hoping to also visit Venice, Italy.

My excitement and nerves gave me just enough energy to power through finals week and make it to break. I wish you all the best of luck with the end of the semester and happy holidays!

Talk to you soon,

Sarah

Follow Sarah’s entire journey through Paris, starting with the very first preparation phase in her blog College Inc.