My first “wow” moment in Italy came on my very first day. My roommates and I were walking to orientation when we passed through an archway into the heart of Florence. Suddenly, the narrow streets opened into a view of breathtaking Renaissance architecture, and I realized I wasn’t just sightseeing — I was walking through history older than the country I call home.

Every morning after that, I passed buildings whose walls had stood for centuries, their stones quietly holding centuries of stories. It gave me a completely different perspective from the one I was used to back home, where gas stations, chain stores, and fast-food restaurants often line the streets. Here, those same spaces were filled with cafés, ornate churches, and piazzas that had been meeting places for generations.

One afternoon, I wandered into a small, cozy restaurant for lunch, only to learn it had been open for over 500 years. I found myself imagining the countless lives that had crossed that threshold — merchants, travelers, artists — all finding a seat at one of its wooden tables. It was humbling to realize I was just one brief visitor in a story that had been unfolding for centuries before me and would continue long after I’m gone.

Coming from the United States, it’s easy to forget just how old and layered our world really is. Life at home often moves at a fast pace, always looking toward the next big thing. In Italy, the rhythm felt slower, more intentional — as if the culture itself insists on making space for history to breathe.

That feeling only deepened when I visited Venice. The winding canals, centuries-old palaces, and quiet courtyards made it clear that in Italy, history isn’t something tucked away in museums — it’s something you live inside. This realization shifted how I think about culture and preservation. In the U.S., the old is often replaced; here, it’s cherished, restored and woven into daily life.

This awareness has inspired me to approach my studies — and my future career — with greater respect for the traditions and histories that shape people’s lives. History isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an active force that shapes how we think, connect, and dream.