Traveling has always been an integral part of my life and my family’s life. My parents have consistently emphasized the importance of being well-traveled and experiencing different cultures and atmospheres. My siblings have all participated in study abroad programs, and I always knew that was something I too would want to do. When I started college, I was out of state, so it was enjoyable to experience a whole new perspective and meet new people. This only heightened my desire to travel abroad. I began exploring various abroad opportunities and discovered the JSB program. I immediately signed up. For the past year, this was all I could talk about, and my friends and family shared in my excitement. Upon arrival, I anticipated differences and numerous learning curves, but I never expected to learn as much as I have from this study abroad experience.
In class, we learn extensively about the culture and history of the beautiful country we are living in for three months. However, I have also gained insights beyond my expectations. It is only week five, and I can only imagine how much more I will learn by the end of this semester. Since arriving, I have learned the importance of appreciating the smaller things and slowing down. Our culture in America is very fast paced, always seeking the next big and new thing. Here, it is quite different, and this has taught me to cherish the experience itself. One significant difference I have observed is in meals and the time spent at them. In America, meals are often quick, even with dinners where you cook or sit down to eat; it’s typically a maximum of one hour. Here, they believe food should be savored with the company you are with. The waiter isn’t rushing you out, and you could be there for hours if you don’t ask for the check. This took some getting used to, but once I adjusted, I realized how much we miss out on in America. These moments of slowing down, sitting, and truly savoring the moment and the people you are with have been highlights of the experience. While the fieldtrip experience and exploring the country have been incredibly fun and enriching, the smaller moments have been even more impactful.
I have gotten to know my fellow study abroad students better, realizing that even though we are all from the same country and attend the same school, we have much to learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
A particular moment that stands out to me occurred on my way back from my community engagement meeting at the senior center. While we were at the senior center, we wanted to connect with them more and ask them some questions about what they do and what they enjoy doing to best plan events for them. On our way back from this meeting we encountered two locals who were incredibly kind and invited us into what we would call “man caves.” One had a wine cellar and gave us a tour of his place. We learned that he had just freshly packaged the wine himself and showed us some jam that his wife had freshly made. Additionally, we learned that he was born and raised in Ariccia. He generously gifted us some of these items. We also learned that the neighbor was a former jewelry designer, and he showed us the jewelry he had made. Now, he pursues various forms and mediums of art as a hobby, and it was fascinating to see his creations. This experience has taught me that those small experience of getting out and learning about people is something that is not done enough. It was also an extremely cool experience to learn more and experience more of the city we are living in on a more personal level.
While on this experience, I have learned so much about Italian culture and history. More importantly, this study abroad experience has taught me the value of living in the moment and truly getting to know people. I specifically can get caught up in rushing onto the next task or thing. Sometimes I tend to see how I can do this the fastest way possible and can overlook the experience itself. This is a special gift that can sometimes be overshadowed by the pursuit of bigger, more exciting moments.
Caio and War Eagle!
Mary Lu Hudgins
