Introduction
Ciao, tutti! My name is Audrey Ferdinand, and I am a student in the David C. Frederick Honors College and Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences majoring in Economics-Statistics and minoring in Studio Arts and Business. One week ago from today (06/29/2024), my study abroad experience, Exploring Art in Florence, came to a close. I feel a bit sad that this chapter in my life just ended, but I am grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the Italian culture, history (especially Renaissance art history), and local cuisine! Doing this is one of the best decisions I made my in life.
My Experience
Over the course of six weeks, I took two three-credit classes: oil painting on Monday’s and Wednesday’s and Renaissance art history on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. My painting class taught me basic color theory, techniques (ex. blending with a clean brush), and observational skills. We started with the color wheel and basic gray-scale shapes, transitioned to still lifes and fruit, and finished with a landscape of the Ponte Vecchio and an alla prima (intended to be finished in one day) of the Duomo and of a street view. I enjoyed the hours of adding meticulous details and learning how to improve as an artist! My Renaissance art history course consisted of all on-sight lectures and tours in various museums and churches. We visited the Duomo (and climbed to the top!), the Uffizi Palace, the Accademia (where Michelangelo’s David stands), Rome and the Vatican, Pisa, Santa Croce, and more! My peers, professor, and I discussed the many capabilities of Renaissance artists, religious iconography and the dominance of Catholicism, and meanings and interpretations of art works. Having the ability to gain this knowledge outside of the classroom was a phenomenal opportunity, and I felt fully involved with what I learned! In addition, my friends and I took weekend excursions to Tuscany, specifically Siena and San Gimignano, and the Amalfi Coast to sight-see in different areas of Italy!
My Growth and Takeaways
Throughout my journey in Florence, I grew in a plethora of ways. Most notably, I broke out of my comfort zone and exposed myself to international living and culture. Those who know me (myself included) would categorize me as a homebody, but traveling thousands of miles away from home challenged me to adapt to a new lifestyle. Furthermore, I improved my time management skills so that I could balance my classes, weekend trips, free time, and homework without feeling stressed. I struggle to budget enough time for my priorities in my daily life, and I am glad I learned this skill abroad. If I can manage in another country, then I will do so at home as well! This will help me with the upcoming semester since I will juggle seventeen credits, active membership in two organizations, Alpha Kappa Psi and the League of Emerging Analytics Professionals (LEAP), and my role as a Resident Assistant. Finally, I added my insights to our conversations in my Renaissance art history class. Speaking up about my perspective and listening to others will benefit me in my professional career. Acquiring information from many different view-points forms me into a more well-rounded and conscious individual, and I can use that knowledge to lead a team of diverse minds!
While I cannot believe how fast six weeks flew by, my program impacted my goals for the future and my life as a whole. I discovered my love for traveling and seeing the world, and I plan on continuing to experience different locations, cultures, monuments and attractions, and cuisines. I find that world is too beautiful to ignore! Whether I study abroad with Pitt again, accept a job that requires traveling, or strategically budget, one of my new priorities is global expedition. Moreover, studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When future ones come my way, I will take them and run. They can be career boosters or dream destinations, but I know that they will improve my life and that I will regret leaving them behind. We only live once, so we might as well seize the chances that we receive and seek out.
Arrivederci, Firenze! Ti amo!