End of Exchange
Lost in Emotion

I have one week left, and I am so lost in emotion, so lost in mounds of clothes, and other things that fill my room, waiting to be packed away, lost in the struggle to see everyone, for that last hug, that last laugh, to say goodbye, I am lost in attempting to hold myself together, and in a positive mind set.

However, at the same time this whole experience is so unreal to me, I am unable to register what is happening to me. I feel as though the moment I left Vermont 11 months ago, I stepped into this dream, and I have been anxiously anticipating its end, my awakening to realize that I have lived 11 months in Switzerland, experienced amazing things, and fallen in love with incredible people.

I have no clear thoughts anymore, no more long intelligent wisps of wisdom, my emotions can no longer be written into nice flowing sentences, or expressed though tears, laughter, or talking. I have let my body and soul go, allowing it to do its own thing, I cry when the tears come, laugh at every opportunity, and talk when the words flow out of my mouth…

Barbara Pinello

Randolph

Barbara Pinello is completing a year as an exchange student in Switzerland.

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