From Budapest, With Love xoxo

As promised, here is the double-header blog for the week! There's a lot of talking in these blogs, so instead of recapping what I did in Vienna as well as my last couple weeks in Budapest, I thought I would share some of my last thoughts about BSM and this whole crazy semester.

Vienna was the perfect last trip of the semester with the very best travel buddy I could have asked for. Everyone knows I went into the study abroad wanting to stay single and not get involved with anyone, but when someone as amazing as Shayar came into my life and brought me so much happiness, how could I say no. I am so grateful to have had him as my safe space admist all the craziness that went on this semester, and extra grateful that he wanted to spend so much time with me even when I was anxious 90% of the time. The snow in Vienna made the trip even more romantic, and I'm glad I got to see one last city before the craziness of finals began. It was so nice to get away and clear my head and make some more memories before entering the final couple of weeks of the semester. Shayar, thank you for being my person this semester and wanting to go on so many adventures with me. We made memories that will surely last a lifetime, and I hope we can make even more soon! And yes, for everyone wondering, the Shayar and Mackenzie saga will be continuing next semester, whether that be in New Orleans, Atlanta, New York, Mumbai, Cancun, Seattle, or literally anywhere in the world. So more pictures together! Which I know Shayar will love hehe.

This semester was definitely the one that challenged me the most, but also showed me the most about myself. It's cliche to say that study abroad changed me, but it's kind of very much a true statement. Moving to a different country where English is not the primary language, not knowing anyone in the program, and taking graduate level math classes surely made for a rough adjustment in the beginning. And for many rough patches throughout the semester. The amount of tears I cried this semester cannot be counted, but I suppose they were all worth it because I made it out the other side!! And passed all my classes, even when I thought I might not. I have never had to work so hard to get such low grades, but I am so incredibly proud of myself for finishing and persevering through despite all the setbacks. I learned a great deal both inside and outside the classroom, and this is truly an experience I will never be able to replicate. But I also can't wait to get back to Tulane math and the professors because I have missed them all so much. I was so blessed to be able to travel so much -- 11 countries in total! It kept me sane on the weekends and always gave me something to look forward to, and I don't think I'll every have the convenience to travel Europe like I did this semester. Top trip: Santorini :)

But the best part of this semester? The amazing people!!! Eashu and Shayar, you were my guys, my honorary roommates, the salzbitches, the people I spent almost every single day with. I'll be seeing you both so soon and annoying you with texts but I still miss you both terribly. Bianca and Grace, you guys were the best roommates I could ask for, and I am so grateful for all the dinner memories we have and our late night gelato talks in our kitchen. Reunion trip needs to happen so soon!! Drake and Myles, you two are such positive lights in the world, and I am going to miss seeing you both almost every day. We all struggled in classes together, and the two of you really made me feel at ease when I was so anxious. You are both so hilarious too, so never stop that. Brandon, Brando!! I'm glad I got to introduce you to Daisuke and I will always treasure all our conversations -- both stupid and goofy and super down to earth. Troy, Cara, Parker, and Julia, you are all such incredible people with the biggest hearts, and I'm so lucky to have been able to experience them to the fullest. I already miss our tea spilling sessions Troy hehe. Mate, my amazing TA, thank you for helping me get through combo, you restored my faith in my mathematical abilities when I had lost all hope. You are the best!! Now what would be really cool?! If you were mentioned here, comment your favorite BSM memory and this can serve as a little memory book :)

Well, that's a wrap folks. It was a wonderful semester with amazing people and some really difficult math that I wouldn't trade for the world. Bookamer in Budapest has come to an end, thank you all for following along, and here's to my next adventure, whatever that may be!

xoxo, mackenzie