Last day of Dutch school

6/8/23 Today was my last day of Dutch school. Which is absolutely insane. It's beginning to feel like the beginning of the end. Honestly, school felt very regular. I went to my classes and then biked home. It's only now, when I'm sitting at home, that I am reflecting on how much I'm going to miss the people I've met at school.

Before going on exchange, I was so sure that I would instantly connect with the exchange students and struggle with making school friends. Turns out it was the opposite. I've made friends at Scala college that I am finding myself not wanting to leave or forget. The friends I've made have been some of the warmest, kindest, most genuine, supportive, and thoughtful people I've encountered in my life. They've guided me through my first year in Dutch school where I've had essentially no idea what I'm doing every day of the school year. The texts to remind me that class is cancelled, the bike rides with me to gym in the other building or the other other building, and the conversations in our classes, during lunch, and breaks have made me feel so loved and cared for this year. Even though it's only been a year since meeting my classmates, it feels like I've known some of these people for several.

So, for my school friends, thank you so much for caring for me, for sharing food with me, for telling me where to go when I'm lost, for the shared Spotify sessions, the bench talks, and for having my back this year. I'm going to miss y'all so much.