Now home for the first time in what feels like forever, so many things in my life have changed. I can’t explain the sense of urgency I have to find the same enjoyment here that I so easily found abroad. I miss dearly the sweet moments of Italian life: espresso, walking everywhere, slow pace life, Tuscan hills, and those tiny, tiny sidewalks. My outlook on my daily life in the States was so bland before embarking on the journey to thrilling, diverse and fantastic cultures this past semester. I now hope to change that!

I can’t imagine studying abroad without a love for art. Studying Graphic Design, I was so excited to experience life at a European Art school. In fact, this was a huge factor in my decision to study in Florence through SAI. For me, this semester helped my passion of art come alive. I saw so many works that I’ve studied for years in the classroom face to face in the museums. It increased my desire to learn. My idea of art was broadened to an entire new level. I realized how much I could see myself living abroad full time as an artist.

This semester abroad was incredibly impactful for me before graduation. It helped fuel my professional goals and plans of life post graduation. Being my senior year, it was extremely crucial for me to take advantage of as well as savor each and every opportunity to be proactive about growing in my field. It was definitely bittersweet leaving what seemed to be a dream environment to study art.

My experiences these past four months cannot be duplicated. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing I will always carry those memories with me, but just as terrifying knowing that these memories will gradually begin to slip out of reach. I feel as I am trying to hold water in the palm of my hands. All I can hope for is to find adventure no matter where I end up!

Not only was this semester one of growth in the classroom, but also one of incredible personal growth. When forced to adapt to a new lifestyle it’s inevitable that soul searching will occur. I learned so many things—good and bad—about myself that I feel wouldn’t have surfaced without leaving my comfort zone last semester. I learned to watch for these moments and take note of my newfound enlightenments! Like I said before, with graduation around the corner, I am thrilled to watch life takes its course with a new appreciation for foreign cultures.

I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to live in Italy for four months. I realize this experience is very rare, but simultaneously very beneficial to people of any age. I know for a short period of time I will most likely encounter reverse culture shock, jet lag, and ridiculous cravings for gelato—but I will forever remember these small but oh-so-important truths I learned in Bella Italia!

1. Heat is a luxury.
2. Don’t ever forget your camera.
3. You really can go longer than you think without showering.
4. Memories are stronger than photographs.
5. Train travel is so enjoyable. We should do it more often.
6. Italian food is insanely good. Far better than you can imagine.
7. Everyone’s view of travel is different.
8. Gelato is always a good idea.
9. God is sovereign even outside of “your” world.
10. Blend in with the locals as much as possible.
11. You can find good people everywhere.
12. Learning a new language is a challenge and an art.

1. Adventure is waiting for you; all you have to do is find it.