During my time abroad in Italy, I have learned several lessons that I plan to take forward into the rest of my academic career at Pitt and beyond. The first lesson I learned was to live in the moment and enjoy the present. Life moves slower in Italy. Italians take their time walking to work, enjoying meals, and socializing with family or friends. This experience taught me to cherish the people around me and appreciate the little things in life. It also made me realize how much I want to travel and see the world before I grow old, which is something I will prioritize throughout my career.
Studying abroad in Florence also reminded me to not put myself into one box or limit my interests. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Statistics through Pitt. I love mathematics, but I also have other interests outside statistics. I always loved art as a kid but have not made the time in recent years to explore it between work, school, and other tasks. I took an oil painting class here, and it brought me back to when I was younger. My teacher gave me some oil to take home, and I hope that I keep up with painting in the years to come. Beyond the classroom, Florence offered a unique opportunity as the birthplace of the Rennaissance. Among the museums and rich architecture. it was truly an eye-opening experience.
Finally, this experience taught me to embrace the unknown. In life, you cannot control everything, and that’s okay. I had never traveled outside the United States, so spending six weeks in a different country definitely came with culture shock. I learned patience through navigating language barriers, transportation, and diverse customs. I also learned how to communicate with people from different backgrounds. Studying abroad in Florence challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, which I will carry into my academic career, the workplace, and life in general. This experience instilled me with a stronger sense of confidence and independence. I intend to take risks and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable to chase my future ambitions.
