from freshman year to fifth year

Sydney and I met freshman year and immediately bonded over late night painting parties in the dorm. Sophomore year, we both decided to drop our science-driven majors and start the road to becoming graphic designers. Over the past four years, we've had an absolute blast at State. Now onto our fifth and most fun year - beginning with the trip of a lifetime. One week until we leave for Rome! (Whoever decided this was a good idea might be regretting it as they are reading this)

I'm pumped about:
Meeting New People – Most people I meet have been previously warned about my sarcasm and/or my strong personality. We will see how this goes with the Italians through my resting ______ face.
Gelato – Obviously. I love, love, love dessert. If this is the only thing I find that I like to eat, I think I'll make it out alive just fine.
Getting Lost in Italy – I keep hearing about all the “textbook” places I have to see. I can't wait to just explore and find something new that I don't already know about.

I'm nervous about:
Packing – I can easily pack three bags for one weekend. How am I supposed to know today what I'm going to feel like wearing in three weeks?
“Studying” – I haven't quite figured out how to go abroad without studying, so until then I'm in two art classes: 1] Special Problems in Drawing and 2] Art, Culture, and Gardens in Italy. Luckily, they are both touring classes and each only twice a week.
Exchange Rate – Why is this a thing! Basically same thing as me flushing American dollars down the toilet. Fingers crossed I won't run out of money by the second week.

More than likely, my next post will be from halfway across the world! I can't wait to see what the Eternal City has in store for me.

19 days... But who's counting?

If you had told me in January that I would be headed to Europe the last week of May, I would've laughed and told you I didn't even have a passport. 

Pinch me. 

All of this started with an email. An email from Jim West, the dean of the College of Architecture Art + Design, asking who was interested in traveling abroad in the summer. Sydney and I attended the meeting simply because the closing of the email said "free pizza". A few months later, I somehow convinced my parents to let me visit this magnificent city I've studied through textbooks for 3+ years now. I fly out of Mississippi on May 27 and will be leaving behind everything I know and love: my friends and family, fast food, and free water. Follow along throughout my entire trip by stopping by here every once in awhile. Lastly, please wish me luck and pray for my sweet parents!