Hi my name is Haley Schantzenbach and I am a rising Junior majoring in Accounting with a certificate in Leadership and Ethics. I am doing the 6 week Global Business Institute through Pitt Business that takes place in Florence. While I am here I will be taking 6 credits worth of classes and treasuring all my time exploring this beautiful city.
Throughout my time in Florence, I really want to make the most of it and see all that I can. There is such rich history and so many beautiful places to see. My one professor has really encouraged us to find something new every time we walk down the street, because Florence has so many hidden gems on the walls and in the streets. One of the ways I hope to grow is in my confidence in being on my own. Before, I would never go someplace to study or a new place to see by myself. I want to break out of this mold and start going to new places and just sitting by myself and watching the hustle of the city. I have started this by looking up libraries near me and going to one about 20 minutes away from my apartment. It ended up being so peaceful and having the most beautiful view of the Duomo.
Another way I hope to grow is trying to stick to a schedule, but specifically a schedule that allows me to get lost and see new things. On Saturday, I went and studied at the library in the morning came back and made lunch. After that I had free time so I decided to look up a garden and go on a walk there. On the way home, I decided to take the other road home and see where it ended up. It was actually another road I was familiar with that I had no clue ended up meeting together. I now found this totally new path that I never knew existed. After being here two weeks it turns out I know my way around better than I thought. I even found new restaurants and things I want to try by doing this.
Overall, I think this program will be crucial in giving my new stories and adventures to tell my family and friends about when I return. It will also make me a more confident and well-rounded person in all of the work I do when I get back to the US. No matter what goes astray in my plans or how lost I get, I know how to pivot and get back on track.