As I rap up my final days in Florence, I am looking back on all of the amazing things I have seen and gotten to experience since being here. I stepped out of my comfort zone and was able to meet so many amazing people from Pitt and beyond who have made a lasting impact on me. While I learned so much in the 2 courses that I took here, I learned even more outside of the classroom. Being in Europe, especially Italy, it allows you to easily travel to new areas to continue to learn and see the world. I had the incredible opportunity to travel to a couple more cities, including Venice, to see even more of what Italy has to offer.

These experiences have really helped me to realize how diverse the world can be and how much you can learn from people with different backgrounds. At dinner, I met a couple from Ireland who had never been to the US and we talked about how they are going to take their first trip there soon. I gave them recommendations and they gave me some for if I ever visit Ireland. You never know where you will meet people and how they can help you. This is a great reminder to always keep an open mind and treat each conversation as a learning experience. The world is a big and a small place all at the same time.

I have also learned how to really have a balanced life. There of course has to be time for school and work, but there can also be time to see the world and the beautiful things in it. As a future accountant, sometimes I fear not having a good work-life balance. This experience has taught me that even when things can get busy, slow times will come that can be filled with fun. You just have to get through the hectic moments and take advantage of the slow moments.

This experience has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself, both professionally and personally. I have met so many new people and had so many amazing experiences. I would recommend this program to anyone who is considering it. It is the perfect amount of time to make memories, but still not feel like you are missing anything back home. I cannot wait to go back to Pitt and share the new experiences.