I’ve never been one for tears. Therefore, I have solemnly pledged I will not cry upon leaving Denmark, which I currently identify with more than home.
As I roam these streets for one last time, I laugh to myself.
Prior to going overseas, I’d always scoff at those girls who’d Instagram stupid captions like “the abroad life changed me forever.”
My mind couldn’t fathom how these people could really be changed enough to say it’s irrevocable.
But here I am, a hypocrite: swallowing the bile that almost surpasses my throat because I am absolutely sick to leave this place I’ve fallen so hopelessly in love with.
I don’t think I’ve grown in the traditional sense of getting to know how to navigate the harrowing tunnels of public transport or learning how to cook a meal by myself.
I’m a fairly independent person, so my street smarts haven’t grown at all.
Instead, I’ve gained more of an emotional maturity than anything.
Here, in a land full of cobblestone streets and serial bicyclists, I have learned how to feel.
Before my four-month escapade through Denmark and the whole of Europe, many of my close friends said they thought of me as a fun girl whose emotions simply couldn’t be swayed.
I was seriously nervous I’d never be able to achieve any semblance of love — it never occurred to me that love could come in so many forms.
It is here in Denmark I’ve learned to love myself, my friends and even my family.
Of course I loved them before, but my experience abroad has given me a greater appreciation for what they’ve done for me.
Their support has allowed me to explore the unknown and embrace my reckless, wild and overly-indulgent cheese-eating tendencies.
Maybe I’ve eaten too much dairy, because I’m starting to read cheesy phrases like “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it’s happened,” and not only do I concur with them, I can relate to them.
You might say Europe’s made me soft.
Maybe that’s true, or maybe it’s just because I’m on my period.
Regardless, I can’t imagine my life without the people I’ve met during my time here and the things I’ve accomplished along the way.
It is for that reason that I am encouraging everyone reading this to travel.
The results vary widely from person to person, but I guarantee, you — and possibly your alcohol tolerance — will grow tremendously along the way.
jlkarl@indiana.edu
@jkarl26
