After spending five weeks in Italy, junior Stephanie Wurth returned to the United States on Saturday, June 23. Stephanie has been writing a weekly journal of her trip on DaytonFlyers.com and wraps up her final week in Rome with us.

June 18

The last week in Rome has finally come and I can't even believe it. It's true what they say, time really does fly when you're having fun. I woke up early today to get in a little workout because we didn't have Italian class. Afterwards, I went to Villa Nazareth to take advantage of all the free home cooked food I could during my last week. Then it was to Ops class where we began the material for the final. Later that night I met up with one of my best friends from home who was also studying abroad in Italy this summer. It was fun to see a familiar face and good to hang out with her for a little bit.

June 19

Today I had my Italian final. It wasn't that difficult but I did have to study for it a little bit. I think that learning the Italian language while being in Italy really benefited me and made me learn quicker than I would have if I would have taken it in the United States. After my first final I only had Ops left to worry about and I was really excited. We went to class and then home as quickly as we could to get ready. We all dressed up and put on our nicest clothes because on this particular night we went to dinner with the Cardinal.

We arrived back at Villa Nazareth for the dinner and took a few pictures of the group outside. It was dinner with the Cardinal and also a good-bye party for us which was kind of bittersweet. We ate delicious food and then the Cardinal spoke to us. He thanked us for coming to Villa Nazareth and complimented our University for everything we have done. Professor Wagner then gave the Cardinal a token of our appreciation and we all said our thanks and good-byes.

June 20

Today was the last day of class and the end of our study abroad program. I completed my Ops final in the morning and was officially done with 2 classes and 6 credits. I was very glad that I chose to take these classes overseas. We ate our last meal at Villa Nazareth and said good-bye one more time to all the wonderful people we met there.

Then it was out in the city of Rome for one last time. The teachers were nice enough to hang out with us for a little bit. They are such nice people and really fun to be around...my favorite being my Italian teacher Carmen. It was great getting to know them all on personally levels being with them outside of the classroom and everything. We all went out and celebrated probably what I would consider the best 5 weeks of my life. I met so many people that I never thought I would and I am glad that I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy.

June 21-23

We spent the last days in Rome doing much needed souvenir shopping and just walking around the city taking it all in. A big group of us, who soon became my best friends, all went out to dinner the last night at a little restaurant by the Spanish Steps. It was so fun getting close to these people and I will never forget all the good times I had in Italy. I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity to study abroad and if you have the chance I highly recommend it to anyone. I can honestly say it has changed me as a person and it is one of the best experiences in my life. Now it is time to head back to the United States and get that Chipotle that we have all been craving for 5 weeks!! Ciao!