The main activities of my STEP Signature Project, which was an Italian language program in Siena, Italy, were completed in an effort to fully immerse myself in the Italian culture. These activities included taking classes, which were in Italian, as well as various trips around the city and the country.
It’s hard to put into words just how much this experience gave to me. I grew in understanding of myself immensely, in both how I prefer to function, and how capable of adapting to changes I am. Assumptions that I once held about life were certainly challenged while I was abroad, most notably around the superstitions of air conditioning. Although this may seem like a minute detail, I believe that this is a fantastic representation of how cultures can clash. Most Italian homes and businesses do not have air conditioning, and although reasonings may vary, the most common answer that I came across was that air conditioning makes you sick. Coming from an American mindset, this ideology goes against how I was essentially raised. Air conditioning or not, the most important takeaway from this clash is that neither culture is necessarily right or wrong in their beliefs, the only wrong response is disrespecting the choices of others. I believe this to be the most important, applicable, and expansive understanding of the world that one can gain; where there is respect there is less likely to be conflict.
One of the most significant events that I experienced during my project was something that I had read about before my arrival, but I did not comprehend the gravity of the event until I was actually present in it. The town that I stayed in, Siena, holds a world-renowned horse race in their city center every year, in which each “contrada,” or neighborhood, of the town has a chance of racing in. Members of the contrade show an incredible amount of passion about this race, incomparable to anything I have witnessed before – which is a lot to say as someone who attends The Ohio State University. Members of the community spend a great deal of time thinking about and preparing for this race, which may seem like just three laps around the city center, a mere two minutes to an outsider, but the significance of winning and losing the Palio is unrivaled. Winning the Palio is an incredible honor for a contrada, only outdone by the loss of a contrada’s enemy. I never dreamed that I would enjoy this competition, let alone consider it one of the highlights of my trip. This speaks volumes to the importance of respecting other cultures, seeking understanding behind traditions, and keeping an open mind upon entering unknown territory.
A key relationship that was built during my project was one that I was not even aware that I would experience until the day that I arrived, but it turned out to be the home of a majority of my self-growth during my experience. Another girl in the program was also staying with our host family, which I was immediately comforted by – I had someone that spoke the same language as me, and would be experiencing very similar things that I was. She was very friendly, and I honestly don’t have anything bad to say about her. This arrangement just brought me more challenges than I expected in to, as we vary greatly in our personality types. Which I can say that I am grateful for. She is different than any of the friends that I have at home, which pushed me to be more direct in my communication, and allowed me to gain insight into what it is I value most in life and friendships. Being able to navigate both this new friendship (and others) and a new country is invaluable.
A significant interaction that I encountered during this experience was with Italian culture as a whole. As with most comparisons between cultures, there are bound to be similarities and differences. And, as I mentioned earlier, neither is necessarily right or wrong, but acknowledging and accepting these qualities is imperative. For instance, Italians tend to be more laid back and leisurely in their usage of time than Americans are. A 9AM start time does not necessarily mean just that. Initially, this was a difficult adaptation for me, as I have been taught that showing up late is a major disrespect to someone, expressing that the time of others is not valued. However, this is merely an expression of a more care and stress free culture, that places more value on enjoying a journey than it places on production. This may not be the case for all Italians, of course, but in the small town of Siena, this was the name of the game. Interacting with the Italian language, one that I did not know very well before arriving in country, was also a place of significant place of growth for me. Interpreting another language from sun up to sun down could be exhausting at times, but the reward of being able to communicate with others is a great point of pride. Being able to step outside of my own culture and understand that the priorities and values of others are likely going to differ in some way, shape, or form from mine, not only allows for me to comprehend the sheer beauty of worldly variance, but also the comfort of home and familiarity.
The most valuable and applicable transformation that I have experienced is the development of a greater sense of appreciation for the world and its extensive diversity, and I am incredibly grateful for that. This opportunity was also a great leap outside of my comfort zone, and in participating in this program, I have grown much more confident in my ability to navigate the world, and any situations that I may be faced with. And, although the program focused heavily on interpersonal relationships, the times that I was able to function independently and find my way were also absolutely crucial to the development of my sense of self. These various areas of growth are applicable in many aspects of life, whether academic, personal, or professional, and an ability to carry myself with greater confidence and a more well-rounded point of view is irreplaceable.
