11 Days Left…

In 2021, I had 11 days left before getting kicked out of the US.

I was terrified.

Returning to Italy meant restarting from scratch.

Eventually, a soccer scholarship got me two extra years for my MBA.

But that scary feeling taught me five lessons as an International Student:

— It's on you:

No one should care about your visa as much as you. If you don’t meet deadlines, don't blame it on "the country" or the Career center.

— Always have a plan B:

No matter how 'safe' you feel, regulations change all the time. Look them up once a week.

— Visas times are longer than you expect:

Embassy appointments, document submissions, and visa renewals take months. Be proactive and plan ahead.

— Broaden your circle:

Meet people outside college, attend events, join clubs, and chat with professors after class.

— Lastly (and in retrospect):

“Your place in the world" is where you decide it to be.

If nothing works, you'll gain clarity and restart stronger.