Being in a new country this semester has taught me a lot of valuable lessons, both academically and personally. One of my biggest academic takeaways is how enjoyable it is to take a wide range of classes. As I mentioned in some of my earlier posts, my Renaissance Art History and Oil Painting classes were two of my favorite courses I’ve taken at Pitt. In a typical semester, I probably wouldn’t have considered classes like these, and oil painting might not even be an option at Pitt. Moving forward, I want to continue branching out and exploring subjects outside of my usual interests whenever possible.

Another important lesson from this experience is to take advantage of spontaneous opportunities. Some of my favorite memories from this semester came from unplanned moments. For example, one of my trips, to Sicily, happened because a friend found a cheap flight. It turned into an incredible weekend. When I return to Pitt, I want to continue embracing spontaneity, whether that means exploring Pittsburgh or taking advantage of new experiences as they come up.

Throughout this experience, my family has been a constant source of support. Whether it was helping me plan before I left or being there when I needed guidance during the semester, I always knew I could rely on them.

This experience has also shaped how I see my future. It made me realize that I want to continue traveling and exploring the world because there is so much to see and experience. At the same time, living in Italy showed me that I value being close to my family, and I appreciate having a home base in the United States.

For future Frederick Honors College students considering this program, my biggest piece of advice would be to carefully think about the location you choose. I really enjoyed my time in Florence, but it was not exactly what I expected. If someone is looking for a large, fast-paced city, Florence may not be the best fit. It feels a bit like a museum, there is lots of history but also heavily populated with tourists. While I would still recommend it, I don’t think it is the right choice for everyone.

One thing I wish I had known before leaving is how useful a Eurail pass could be. I had an amazing time exploring Italy but having that pass would have saved me money and allowed me to visit even more places.

Overall, I had an incredible time in Florence this semester. My favorite memory in Florence was watching the sunset along the Arno River. Outside Florence, my favorite place I visited was Rome. This experience is something I will carry with me throughout the rest of my time at Pitt and beyond.