By Jules Isabel

, by Jules

Welly Merck: The Classic New York

, by Jules

Today marks the two year anniversary of my study abroad in Rome, Italy.
I was traveling outside the U.S. for the first time, to a country that was completely unfamiliar to me. I remember being so nervous of flying and even more so, I had no idea what to expect. I was unaware that two years ago, on this day, I was about to embark on a journey that would lead to the best three months of my life.

My three months abroad quickly turned into three months of self-discovery. I would be living in a small hotel in Rome with about 50 other classmates, most of which I did not know. This meant my family was no longer an hour and a half drive away. I was so incredibly grateful for this experience because it forced me out of my comfort zone. My friends and I could honestly tell you, the girls who stepped foot on the plane to Rome January 3, 2015, were not the same girls who got off the plane on American soil April 1, 2015.

If you would have asked me prior to leaving, I would have told you I wanted to travel to as many countries and see as many cities as I could during my time there. However, in many ways less ended up being more. Walking the streets of Rome was like a dream. There was so much history in one city and incredible elements around every corner. There were so many roads to be discovered, maybe even a road that could lead to a new favorite gelato shop! Three months may seem like a long time, but it was not enough time to try all the pizza, pasta, and gelato a girl could want (but we came pretty close).

Rome had so much to offer me and I can honestly say this city inspired me. The people, the food, the culture, everything was so different than what I was accustomed to at home. The Italian people were one of my first sources of inspiration, they all seemed so confident and had an appreciation for the art of fashion and beauty, which I did not find in my hometown. These people made me realize what I wanted in life even though deep down I had known all long (later resulting in By Jules Isabel).

For those of you who do not know much about Rome, there are more than 900 churches in this city alone. These churches were a lot like snowflakes, no two were like the next. I had always been a religious person, but my faith evolved in such an incredible way that I could not be more grateful for. By no means were my friends and I fluent in Italian (although some begged to differ), but sitting in the churches of Rome and immersing ourselves into these Italian masses was an experience like no other. Not to mention, Rome is home to the Vatican and more importantly the Pope! I have to say to this day the Pope is still the cutest and coolest man on earth and I think all my abroad girls could agree.

Studying abroad gave me more than I could ever ask for. I built many incredible relationships with friends that I would not have met without this experience. My faith evolved and not only helped me feel closer to God but it also gave me a better understanding of who I was and who I wanted to become. I had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Interlaken, Zurich, Northern Italy, and Florence. All these cities showed me something different about myself and the world. To be inspired by the city, the people, culture, food, and the art of Europe, taught me to really act on my dreams. There is inspiration everywhere but it is how we interpret it that speaks to who you are and who you can become.

Rome, I am forever grateful for you! You helped shape me into the person I am today and even more so helped bring By Jules Isabel to light! Ti amo sempre! Until we meet again!