When I was preparing for JSB I had no idea what to expect about the people I would be sharing the next three months with. However, I felt sure enough about the art I might see, the history I would learn more about, and the food and culture that I would experience.

I had always dreamed of going to Italy and I had studied Italian and Roman history and art for years throughout school. I even took Latin for a couple of years and learned about the history and literature and ingenuity of the Romans.

I had a picture in my mind: the landscapes of Tuscany stretching out with fields of grapes and speckled with trees, cafe’s where I would order my espresso in Italian, and the towering Roman ruins that contrast the crowded modern city. I pictured myself in Positano feeling the ocean breeze sifting through my hair while I gazed at the turquoise waters bashing against weathered cliffs. I imagined myself staring in awe at Michelangelo’s Pietà or craning my neck towards the towering gothic architecture of the Cathedral in Milan.

I had no idea what would grow me the most and be the most empowering to me during my time in Italy.

For me, it has been the people.

This semester has been full of experiences and learning that I’ve done all alongside 18 other girls who all have different backgrounds, unique personalities, one of a kind stories, and varying dreams and goals and aspirations. We all live together, travel together, learn together, cook together, and problem solve together. What I’ve realized is that while learning incredible history from intelligent teachers and guides, I am also forging memories with people who have incredible futures. While I am looking at the most beautiful works of art in Italy, I am seeing more of the uniqueness and beauty of each girl who brings their own perspective, thoughts, and ideas to any discussion. While I travel throughout beautiful cities and learn about unique cultures, I am on a journey to learn more about those around me and their life stories.

Not only am I empowered by the girls who are living and studying with me, but I am empowered by the uniqueness of stories from those living in Italy who hold pains and joys and sorrows and experiences that are so different from my own.

This week we heard the incredible story of a refugee who spent years journeying through west and North Africa facing hardship after hardship. The first time he attempted to cross the Mediterranean he nearly died. He told us of the grief of seeing fellow travelers die at sea and the compassion of a young kid who clothed him and help him on his journey. Now in Italy he is using his education to hopefully help many others and his unique story adds a beautiful color to the amazing place that Italy is.

This week we also learned how many refugees can use their skills from their home countries to create beautiful pieces that connect their culture with Italian fashion. We saw and touched their impressive work while visiting The Sewing Cooperative in Rome.

One thing I’m truly learning is that differences bring empowerment. They help shine a light on what is in the dark. They add uniqueness and beauty. The ability to work and learn and travel with unique people is truly growing me professionally and personally. I am learning to understand others better and hear their perspectives and appreciate cultures which will surely go with me in the future in my career. I plan to work overseas and all these experiences are stretching me in ways that I know will help me better understand and communicate with the people around me.

Thanks for reading!

-Olivia Nix