Studying abroad here in Sicily has changed my approach to the world. Everything I thought I knew has been questioned in the most delightful way possible. What started as a chance to explore quickly became a meaningful lesson in how to live fully, appreciate deeply, and step boldly into the unknown.

While I spent my time studying food, as it turns out food isn’t just food. Food is life, love, and legacy. Meals are slow, conversations are rich, and every bite is savored. I realized how much I’d been taking for granted. I have spent so much time moving from thing to thing trying to reach the next level that I haven’t stopped to see how far I have come. Sicily taught me to slow down and be present. To appreciate the details and take pride in the work that is put into everything I do.

But just as important, Sicily taught me to embrace the unknown. I often felt out of place, despite how hard I pushed myself to prepare. Being wrong is not something I take lightly, but that is something I had to find a way to let go of. Eventually, I found confidence not in having all the answers. That just meant I had the opportunity to learn something new. My willingness to keep showing up in the face of uncertainty is a new-found skill and one that I will cherish deeply

As a communications pre-law student, these lessons are now my guiding light. Law is complex, communication is nuanced, and life is unpredictable. However, that seems to be the point. Moving forward, I’ll carry these lessons with me: stay grateful, stay curious, and never stop leaning into the unfamiliar. Whether I’m in a courtroom, a classroom, or halfway across the world, I know now that growth lives on the other side of uncertainty, and that’s exactly where I want to be.