I’ve been looking forward to this semester for my entire college experience, and it’s hard to believe that it’ll be over in three days. But in all honesty, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Sure, it wasn’t too great to realize that my travel destinations were limited to Belgium, but I still had a great time with my friends at Ramborn. Or, I was upset when I realized I wouldn’t make it to Paris or Spain, but I was able to spend almost two days in Austria, which had been my dream destination for the whole semester. I made some truly great friends, developed some stories that’ll be fun to tell to everyone back home, and bought way too much chocolate. I tried traditional foods from all over Europe, wrote and edited a few articles that were published in a real-life magazine (and an online one too!), and spent way too much time in Dan’s office.

I also had two incredible internships. The first was with City Savvy Luxembourg, an online publication that centers around all things Luxembourg—things to do, places to go, sites to see, and events to attend! I researched these upcoming events and turned press releases into articles, and I also looked into some of the many things that Luxembourg has to offer, like bike trails and golf courses. I interviewed a few restaurant owners as well! I also got to help with the publication of LUX WMN, a feminism-centric magazine, by writing an article and editing several more.

My other internship was with Kelsey Hopper Music, where I did a lot of behind-the-scenes work. I wrote numerous blog posts about various music-related topics, like the pros and cons of piano lessons, the Suzuki Method, and my own musical experience. I did a little bit of social media work and helped edit a brand new website as well. These internships certainly kept me busy, but they also helped me make great connections and gain valuable experience. (Although I will admit that after eight weeks of nonstop writing, I’m kind of ready for a break from my keyboard!)

It’s because of things like this that I’m glad I stayed. My MUDEC experience wouldn’t be complete without these extra seven weeks, and I’d encourage anyone who’s thinking about either staying on or coming back to do it. Sure, I missed my family and friends, but I’ll be seeing them again before I know it. I gained valuable experience and made great connections. And I know I’ll always have a second home here in Differdange.

As soon as I finish this, I’m going back to the Château one last time to drop some things off. It feels weird just typing something like that, but at the same time it feels right. I’m not struggling with feelings of “I have to stay in Luxembourg longer” like I was in May; I feel like it’s time to go home. I’m ready to do nothing during quarantine and get vaccinated as soon as possible. I’ll miss Europe on those evenings where all my friends are busy, or when it’s Sunday afternoon and I realized I didn’t do anything all weekend, or when I’m eating fries and wish I had some European mayonnaise. When I move back to campus in the fall and start seeing pictures from the fall cohort, I’ll wish I was there, but I’ll also wish them the best.

I’m so glad I stayed, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But I’m also so glad that a few days from today, I’ll be back home.