Although I have only been living in Italy for two weeks, the JSB program has shown me more than I could have ever imagined. Upon my arrival in Italy, I was very nervous and unsure of what I was getting myself into. As soon as I boarded the plane I couldn’t help but think of all the things that could go wrong. I cannot describe the relief I felt when the plane’s wheels touched the Italian runway. As soon as we arrived at the palace, we hit the ground running. So far, in the first two weeks of my stay my brain is packed with information about history, culture, and the Italian language. My fascination with the Italian culture never ceases. Every day there is a new food to try, word to say, or a piece of history to learn.
The field trips are, by far, one of my favorite parts of this program. Traveling in a group with 21 girls is quite an experience. Most of us have never been to these places, so experiencing them together as a group is special. We are all unique and different which only adds to the experience of adjusting to a foreign culture and making new friends while learning and having fun.
Italy has already impacted me in more ways than one. It has proven to me that going out of my comfort zone is hard; but, it has also proven to me that going out of my comfort zone is good. Over these past two weeks I have faced the challenges of learning a new currency and booking flights to places I’ve never been. I am also working on overcoming obstacles such as missing my family, learning to get around without a navigation system and living somewhat without my iPhone. I am sure there will be more hurdles to jump over, whether it’s the feeling of experiencing a culture so very different from my own or climbing 500 stairs to the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica. In the end, the view is great.
-Spencer Smyly

Overlooking Rome from the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica