The Joseph S. Bruno Italy program has been a whirlwind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The beauty of the Italian culture, cuisine, and history seems to lurk in every corner and hug every cobblestone. As a young college student, I have spent this time exploring myself, and all the world has to offer. In the beginning of this journey, I was terrified of the thought of traveling to a foreign country with a group of girls I barely knew. However, as the time has passed I have come to realize that this program has offered me more than just the opportunity to immerse myself into a new culture. This program has opened the door to new and unexpected life-long friendships, and support that I may have otherwise never known.
During the middle of my semester abroad I received news of a family emergency that abruptly turned my world upside down. The next day I was on a plane headed back to the United States, with the unlikely thought I would be able to finish off the semester in Italy. I felt so alone in that moment, sitting next to strangers on a cramped flight, trying to pretend that my life wasn’t falling to pieces in front of me. Although, I wasn’t really alone, I had a newfound ‘family abroad’ full of friends and teachers bending over backwards to assist me in anything I needed. Sweet letters and text messages of encouragement filled my mind and heart with warmth during such a dark time. When I finally made the tough decision to return back to Italy to finish out the semester, I was greeted with a plethora of hugs and goodies covering my bed.
Many have recently told me that I have shown great strength in dealing with such life-changing and unforeseen events. However, I believe the people in my life constantly supporting and lifting me up have helped me find that strength within. The Joseph S. Bruno Italy program may have shown me the world, but it has also shown me compassion and the beauty of friendship both near and far.
-Maddy Epperly

A warm welcome back to Ariccia