It’s hard to believe my experience in Florence has come to a close! As I reflect on my time studying abroad, I find myself reflecting most on the quieter day to day moments that unfolded while I navigated daily life. Although I have traveled before, this was my first time living in a new country for an entire month. This experience allowed me to develop personally and specifically be more open, adaptable, and present in a way I haven’t experienced before.
One of the biggest lessons I believe that I’ve learned is how to be more present and appreciate stillness. In Florence, life seemed to move with intention: long dinners, casual walks, conversations with locals in stores, ect. While living in this space I learned to slow down- something that felt rather unfamiliar after years of fast-paced academic life at home. This shift taught me that deep learning doesn’t only happen in lecture halls or libraries- it happens when we allow ourselves to fully embrace new environments and let ourselves evolve.
Another major area of growth I plan to take home with me is confidence in navigating uncertainty. I am the type of individual who prefers routine, but living in a new space for a month did not provide my typical routine. Whether it was trying to communicate in Italian, navigating unfamiliar streets, or figuring out cultural norms, I had to rely on both instinct and the kindness of others. These small moments of patience reminded me that discomfort is often the first sign of growth.
As I return to Pitt, I want to carry this impactful experience and evolved mindset forward into my academic work and everyday life. I plan to approach new challenges with more curiosity and less fear, to embrace discomfort as part of learning, and to make space for reflection; especially in my research and writing. I also hope to bring a more global, culturally aware perspective that I gained into my studies, particularly with psychology and sociology, as I think critically about how context shapes the way we interact. This experience symbolizes so much more than just a trip, it was an evolution in perspective. I will always be grateful for this beautiful opportunity.
