A picture in front of the Duomo at night

I can’t believe my time in Florence is finally coming to an end. Where did these past 4 months go? I feel like just yesterday I was adjusting to this new and beautiful city I was about to call home. Although I am extremely excited to see my family after a long four months apart, it is hard to grasp the fact that my time here is over.

The best gelato in San Gimignano

I’ve learned more in the past few months about myself than I ever thought I could have. Being extremely dependent on my parents, this was a perfect opportunity to finally become more independent. The thought of living in a city always scared me a bit, but Florence was the perfect first step in overcoming my fear. This small unique city quickly felt so confortable to me right after arriving.

My favorite place in Florence, the Boboli Gardens

I have grown as a student, as well as an individual during my time here in Florence. Never having lived in an apartment before, this opportunity was perfect learning how to balance house chores, as well as school work and free time. One part of Florence I am excited to bring home are my new cooking skills. I was not that great of a cook before coming here, but after taking a cooking class through FUA, I’m very eager to go home and cook for my family.

A picture of our day trip to Pisa!

Even though my time here is coming to an end, I know I will definitely be back in my future. It may not be anytime soon, but I will make time to come visit in my future. The friends and memories I have made here will last a lifetime. Florence will forever have a place in my heart.

Enjoying a bike tour in Tuscany

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Alexandra is a student at Penn State studying at Florence University of the Arts during the Spring 2014 term.