The end (for now)

I took all four of my Spanish finals this week, which my teachers informed me I received an “A” on. This wasn’t by luck; determined to do well on my tests and get the most out of these classes, I spent a few hours each day studying my course material. It helped that I was also talking in Spanish with my host family, teachers and people in town 90% of the time, which gave me natural practice.

I wrapped up my time in Segovia on November 26th. It was a sad goodbye; I was more wistful than I prepared myself for to say goodbye to my teachers, who I had developed close bonds with during my time. Although I was excited to return home for the holidays and see friends and family, I cried when I said goodbye to my host family and on the bus ride to Madrid. I recognized how special of an experience I’d had. I’m not sure if I will have another experience where someone welcomes me with such open arms to their household, family, and culture. It felt like the people that made my time on this trip truly cared about me from the start, without having met me before.

Being able to walk everywhere was also such a luxury. I could get everywhere I needed to go in Segovia using my two feet, which I can’t do back home without a car. I’ll miss the ease of having a “third space” between school/work and home. The abundance of cafes and bars made it easy to socialize, get exercise by walking and get out of the house.

It was appropriate timing that I was heading home for Thanksgiving; I am feeling that there is so much to be grateful for. Now that I’m done with school, it’s time to face the next part of my journey: getting a job.