I am about halfway through my study abroad experience, and as I reflect on the past 5 weeks, I feel like I have experienced a major shift in perspective on life and thus experiencing life differently.

Before I started this program, the idea of studying abroad was something I always knew I wanted to do and would make happen for myself. I also knew I wanted to experience travel in an authentic way, but that part always seemed slightly out of reach. When I say I want to experience travel in an authentic way, I mean going wherever felt right even if that was alone, because I know there is so much to see and experience in this life and I do not want to miss it. I feared that I would let uncertainty and social norms stand in the way of this. Since being here, I have gained a different sense of independence in which I now no longer feel this barrier that consisted of a mix of fear and uncertainty. I am learning how easy it is to be flexible enough to adapt and overcome. Both are qualities I feel are essential in order to achieve my goal.

I have a new appreciation for differences in people and the lessons you can learn from them. This goes for not only the people of Italy, but also the people I am doing the program with. There is so much opportunity for growth in learning to navigate not only a new environment, but also a completely new set of people. Learning to use those differences in a positive way is sign of great personal growth. I have always tried to live by the idea that life is exactly what you make it, but this experience has forced me to practice that every day. I feel an immense sense of gratefulness for this experience and know it will only continue to push me to grow. I thrive on the idea of self-growth especially at this stage in life and studying abroad has given me the perfect opportunity to do so.

I am about halfway through my study abroad experience, and as I reflect on the past five weeks, I feel like I have experienced a major shift in perspective on life and thus am experiencing life differently.

Before I started this program, the idea of studying abroad was something I always knew I wanted to do and would make happen for myself. I also knew I wanted to experience travel in an authentic way, but that part always seemed slightly out of reach. When I say I want to experience travel in an authentic way, I mean going wherever felt right even if that was alone, because I know there is so much to see and experience in this life, and I do not want to miss it. I feared that I would let uncertainty and social norms stand in the way of this. Since being here, I have gained a different sense of independence in which I now no longer feel this barrier that consisted of a mix of fear and uncertainty. I am learning how easy it is to be flexible enough to adapt and overcome. Both are qualities I feel are essential to achieve my goal.

When I embarked on this journey, I had a mix of excitement and apprehension. The excitement stemmed from the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, while the apprehension was rooted in stepping into the unknown. However, these past weeks have taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone is where true growth happens. The initial fear of being alone in a foreign country has been replaced with a newfound confidence. I have discovered that the world is not as intimidating as it once seemed. The barriers that I thought existed were merely constructs of my own mind and dismantling them has been a liberating experience.

One of the most profound changes has been my appreciation for the differences in people and the lessons you can learn from them. This goes for not only the people of Italy but also the people I am doing the program with. There is so much opportunity for growth in learning to navigate not only a new environment but also a completely new set of people. Italy’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse population have opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and living. Engaging with locals has shown me the importance of embracing differences rather than fearing them. Each interaction has been a learning experience, offering insights into different perspectives and ways of life.

My fellow students have also played a significant role in this journey. Coming from various backgrounds, each person brings a unique perspective to our shared experiences. This diversity has been a catalyst for personal growth. Navigating relationships with a new set of people has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and open-mindedness. Learning to use those differences in a positive way is a sign of great personal growth. I have always tried to live by the idea that life is exactly what you make it, but this experience has forced me to practice that every day. I feel an immense sense of gratefulness for this experience and know it will only continue to push me to grow.

The cultural immersion has been another significant aspect of my journey. Living in Italy has allowed me to see life through a different lens. The Italian way of life, with its emphasis on community, family, and enjoying the present moment, has been a refreshing change from the fast-paced lifestyle I was accustomed to. I have learned to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures in life, whether it is savoring a homemade meal, strolling through a historic piazza, or engaging in a heartfelt conversation with a local.

Language has been both a challenge and a source of joy. Initially, the language barrier felt daunting, but as I immersed myself in the Italian language, I began to see it as an opportunity for growth. Each interaction, no matter how small, has been a step towards fluency and a deeper understanding of the culture. The effort to communicate in Italian has been met with warmth and appreciation from locals, reinforcing the idea that genuine connections transcend linguistic differences.

Studying abroad has also reinforced the importance of adaptability. Being in a foreign country means constantly encountering new situations and challenges. From navigating public transportation to understanding local customs, every day presents an opportunity to adapt and learn. This flexibility has not only made me more resilient but has also enriched my experience in countless ways.

I thrive on the idea of self-growth, especially at this stage in life, and studying abroad has given me the perfect opportunity to do so. This journey has been more than just an academic endeavor; it has been a transformative experience that has reshaped my perspective on life. I have learned to embrace uncertainty, appreciate differences, and see the world anew. As I continue my study abroad experience, I am excited to see how these lessons will continue to shape me and influence the way I live my life. The picture I have chosen to include, in my opinion, embodies the joy that comes from this experience and is a picture I can look at and feel the joy I felt in that moment.

-Bailey Kelly, Apparel Merchandising ’25