10 (dix)Life Lessons I learned in Paris

10 years ago, I was in the 6th grade and was asked a question by one of my teachers. “Anjali, where do you see yourself in 10 years?” Being that I was stuck in the present moment, I was not sure how to answer the question. I replied, “I’m not sure.” Ten years later, I’m in Paris drinking a Cafe Crème; looking back and going “Wow, I would have never thought I’d end up in the greatest city in the world when I was in middle school.”

I described this little moment to tell the story of my experiences in Paris and how they have made me a better person. I’ll describe them in a list of ten.

1. Travel as much as you can, as often you can. Life is too short to be spent in one place. I prefer to live out of my suitcase, personally….
2. America isn’t the best country in the world…
3. Moving on and forgiving is harder than holding on and staying angry. But when you finally do, you set yourself free
4. Get the most out of life, time is valuable and limited.
5. English is a hard language to learn. I’ve gained a respect for cultural diversity during my stay here.
6. Whatever happened the past doesn’t define your life, you can make your own future.
7. Public transportation is efficient and very useful. I loved taking the metro and RER everywhere.
8. Sobriety helps your self-esteem improve more than alcohol does
9. Students should try to study abroad at least once in their lives.
10. Stay positive always

Je t’aime Paris. Je rien viendrai.

Above: Opera Garnier; Below:At age 22 in St. Germain-en-Laye