My move to Rome for university at the age of 18 was the result of a family decision, a step that initially wasn’t solely mine. My older brother paved the way, encouraged by our parents, who wanted both of us to study away from home to seize new opportunities and, above all, to have an experience that would help us grow. My parents have always believed that moving far from home would make us more responsible and independent, and in hindsight, I can say they were right.

At first, the idea of moving filled me with some uncertainty. Rome is a huge city compared to the smaller reality of Lamezia Terme, and the thought of managing my life on my own, far from my family, made me a bit anxious. However, at 18, you tend to worry less: the excitement of embarking on such a big adventure far outweighed my fears. I was full of curiosity and eager to discover what lay ahead.

COver time, I’ve realized that some things truly have their own time to be done—not because they can never be done later, but because they’re often accompanied by a crescendo of emotions and reflections. As we grow older, we become more aware of the risks and consequences of every choice we make. This process of awareness can lead to decision paralysis, as accumulating thoughts and worries hinder the courage to embark on new adventures. Instead of boarding the trains life offers, we stop to dwell on what might go wrong, forgetting that it’s often the risk that leads to extraordinary opportunities. From this, I’ve learned the importance of balancing caution with the desire to live fully, stepping out of one’s comfort zone to avoid missing trains that could lead to unforgettable experiences and greater personal growth.

Over the years, whenever I’ve talked to people about moving away for university, I’ve always recommended doing so, whenever possible. It’s true that staying in one’s hometown and contributing to its growth is important, but it’s equally true that an experience like this is incredibly enriching for so many reasons.

For me, the most inspiring reason was the opportunity to discover new realities and engage with different mindsets. Throughout my journey, I met people from various parts of Italy, from vastly different backgrounds than mine, who remain part of my life to this day. This allowed me to see the world through new eyes and to appreciate my own even more. We often take many things for granted, but connecting with people from diverse perspectives opens new horizons. It helps you understand which worlds truly resonate with yours, making you more aware of the opportunities you’ve had, the ones you currently have, and those you could create in the future.

In conclusion, embarking on a new experience far from home is undoubtedly a brave step, but it is also one of the most stimulating opportunities a person can give themselves. Every new person you meet and every different reality you encounter has the potential to enrich you, broaden your horizons, and reveal aspects of yourself that were previously hidden. One should not fear stepping out of their comfort zone; often, the greatest changes happen when we immerse ourselves in unfamiliar contexts. It’s important to remember that nothing is irreversible. Taking the leap can turn out to be the winning choice, and even if the experience doesn’t go as planned, there’s always something to gain: you discover new personal limits, get to know yourself better, and learn valuable lessons for the future.