Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. -Helen Keller

The start of this summer was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Growing up I have always been someone to play it safe and stay in my comfort zone. Years ago I never would have seen myself moving to another country for a summer, but here I am. The past few weeks have been an amazing adventure that is only the beginning.

So far, my experience with the Joseph S. Bruno Program has pushed me to grow as a person. What I am learning about the culture and history will always stay with me, but more importantly, I am learning things about myself. Italy has begun to show me that it is okay to try new things, push myself out of my comfort zone, and just live in the moment. It is only the beginning and I have made many memories and connections that I never could have expected. 

My time in Italy is teaching me that you can only live once. Typically, I am someone that wants to have everything planned out way in advance so I can know what to expect. Sometimes things do not go as expected, but I’ve started to learn that a change in plans can be okay. The worst that can happen is things do not go to plan or I do not enjoy the moment, but I can at least say I tried. Sometimes, it is about doing something for the memories, even if it is not how I envisioned it. In the end, I will look back at my adventures and cherish all the memories, good and bad.

XO,

Hannah Neal