So, you guys probably haven’t heard, but there is thing called COVID-19 (popularly known as “the corona virus”) which has people all in a panic. There are some cases of COVID-19 in Northern Italy. None are too close to me for me to be in any danger, but as the CDC has issued a level 3 warning, all of the American universities are taking their students out of Italy. So, I’m coming home.
Here are some questions you may have and the answers:
When are you coming home?
March 1st! I’ll be back tomorrow night.
What are you going to do about school?
I don’t know yet. I’m talking with ASU on Monday about that. I’m hoping I can still get the full 15 credits I was supposed to this semester so I can graduate on time.
Will you get credit for your Bocconi classes?
Nope. We’ve had very few classes, so we haven’t learned enough to get credit. There was talk about having me take the classes remotely, but that would require waking up at 2:00 am to skype in, so, no thank you.
What are your next steps when you return?
On Monday, I’m meeting with ASU and discussing my class situation as well as getting a parking permit. And…that’s it. I live with my parents, so I don’t have to worry about finding a place to stay and I already have a life in Arizona and all that, so it is a pretty easy transition back. The only big thing is my classes.
Will you be quarantined when you come to the US?
Nope. Or at least I’m not supposed to be. I’m flying out of Milan and we have either had 1 case or 0 cases (I’m not sure), so there is little risk of me carrying the virus.
Are you disappointed?
I mean, sure. Obviously I would have liked to have seen Rome and Venice before I left, but it is what it is. We were off school this week because of the virus, so I started preparing myself in case I was sent home.
What will you miss about Milan?
It is pretty in Milan and fun to walk around. I got to hang out with students from around the world. But what I’ll probably miss the most is my pizzeria and gelateria. What can I say, I love food.
Negatives of coming home early
- Sunk cost – obviously I already paid for a bunch of things and I will not be getting that money back
- Don’t get to see Rome or Venice
- My mom’s trip to Italy is cancelled too
- I might not be able to get all my credits for the semester which could impact my ability to graduate on time. (ASU is working hard to avoid this, so I should hopefully be fine)
- No more Italian pizza
Positives of coming home early
- Cheese itz! Frosters! Burgers! (Bless the USA and our food)
- There are a bunch of things I am involved in (children’s ministry, youth ministry, 20 somethings group at my church, etc) that I was disappointed I would have to miss during my study abroad that I don’t have to miss now
- I can go see Mean Girls at ASU Gammage in April
- I will see Lydia in March instead of not seeing her until July
- I can start my summer internship (whenever I get it) in May instead of mid June
- I get to see my family sooner and be with them
- Truth is, I was feeling homesick this week, so this could not have come at a better time. It makes this whole situation a lot easier
What can I pray for?
- For everything to go smoothly at the airport tomorrow. My understanding is that it is a fairly large airport and I am flying internationally. Fortunately, I am able to get there 3 hours early, so I should be fine.
- For my classes to work out so I can get 15 credits by the end of the semester.
Reasonable Doubt 