My time in Florence has ended, and now, a few weeks later, I’ve come back to my regular life feeling completely changed. This program challenged me in so many more ways than just academically. In just two months, I’ve felt my entire perception of the world expanding, and I have grown in so many ways, learning to embrace the unknown and live in the moment.
Living in Italy was a challenge to my adaptability. At first, it was overwhelming getting used to busy streets with tiny sidewalks, later dinner hours, and no air conditioning. Yet, these differences were opportunities for me to observe, adapt, and eventually fall in love with Italian culture. I especially loved the value they place on living the present. Rather than thinking about the next thing to do, I learned how to live in the moment. Through long, unhurried meals, Italians emphasize cherishing time with friends and family. I found this change of pace to be refreshing and soothing. This made me realize that balance should be a priority. In my college life, I am busy with classes, labs, and extracurriculars. I am always rushing from one commitment to the next. So, in the future, I want to remember the importance of balance and prioritize giving myself time and space to decompress, even when I am busy.
Another aspect of Florence that I fell in love with was the incredible art and architecture. I was lucky to learn a lot of it through my Renaissance Art History class, but I was very interested beyond the scope of the class material. I found myself searching up every building I walked by and spending countless hours in the Uffizi Art Gallery. This curiosity and passion for learning are two of my most valuable takeaways from this program. I believe learning for the sake of enrichment, rather than grades, is incredibly important as a future healthcare provider. As I continue my education, as a senior and then in dental school, I want to remember the importance of this mindset. I believe that intellectual curiosity and passion for growth are just as essential as technical skill to my success as a dentist.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to live in Florence. I miss the city already, and a part of my heart will always belong there. For all the amazing memories Florence gave me, it also grew me into a more open-minded and adaptable individual. Florence changed me forever!
