The Sadness of Goodbyes

Today marked the last day of class and of our time here in Chicago. As I sit next to my friends and look out at the views of the city it is bittersweet to think tomorrow at this time I will be back home. Although I have missed California, the friendships I have made over the last three weeks have made this place feel like home and, as always, it is hard to leave home.

Since today was our final day of class, it was spent presenting our final projects. The presentations worked kind of like a science fair. Half of the students would be at their poster presenting while the rest got to walk around and listen to each other’s presentations. My group was in the first round of presentations so I spent the first hour of class giving my presentation a minimum of 10 times. Although I was nervous about the presentations last night, it actually felt good to get to share with our classmates everything we learned through our hard work and research.

Dr. Fineschi, Dawn, and I

In the few hours after class, my time was spent saying goodbye to lots of the new friends I made during my time here. Many of my classmates planned to leave shortly after class so I spent time with them and our professors taking pictures and exchanging contact information. Also planning to leave today, was Cecilia. Maria and I spent the last couple hours with her before it came time for her to leave.

Once we had said our goodbyes to Cecilia, I spent the night packing my things for tomorrow's flight and watching movies with Adela and Maria to celebrate the last night we would spend together.

The ones I will miss the most 

Most of today was spent saying goodbye to the people and things that have been a significant part of my life for the past few weeks. Although this was difficult, I am incredibly thankful I got to experience those things in the first place. Getting to take a course on a subject I am truly passionate about has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. It was incredible not only to learn so much but to get to do it alongside people who are incredibly passionate about their education. The drive in these students has made me want to work harder, study longer, and overall just be better.

The memories and friends I have made in Chicago are something I will cherish for the rest of my life. As sad as it is to be leaving, I know it will not be forever as the weeks spent here will undoubtedly bring me back to this incredible city. But until then, the time has finally come to say, goodbye Chicago.