1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.
Through my STEP Signature Project I studied abroad in Siena, Italy. I received a greater understanding of the language and culture through traveling and classes taught in Italian.
2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?
I came into this experience not knowing anyone or what to expect and I could not be more grateful for that. While I am a person who loves to plan in advance and is reserved, I had no choice but to be flexible and outgoing in this situation. From the start, I adapted to the new experience I was about to face. I was presented with new friends and even a new family with whom I stayed with for four weeks. There were communication differences between us but together we had to work through them. I truly appreciated the importance and difficulties that come with adapting to a new culture and learning new languages.
3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?
The primary interaction I faced during my STEP Project that led to personal change was staying with a host family. I quickly had to adapt to a new environment, living style, and people. There were differences that I took for granted living in America, like air conditioning and a filling breakfast. One of the greatest challenges I had to overcome was to realize that the differences between our cultures are not negative. One is not more correct than the other and each has their own pros and cons. From that I opened my mind to change and chose to adapt to what I was given. I learned to live without air conditioning and a smaller breakfast. I also was willing to try every dinner that they cooked for us, even if I did not like the food before. I adapted to their lifestyle and communicated in Italian with all members of the family. At times, we faced cultural barriers. However, together we learned to work through our differences to promote our communication.
There were many activities during my STEP Project where I forced myself out of my comfort zone. Personally, I love to have a set plan in advance and follow it perfectly. While studying abroad, I had no choice but to “roll with the punches”. There were times where I never knew what I was going to be doing until I was doing it. There were also many times were plans changed. I learned to be more adaptable to any situation I am in and understanding. I also appreciated taking in every moment while I was in Siena and not worrying about my future plans.
Lastly, the most incredible event I participated in during my STEP Project was the Palio in Siena. The Palio is a medieval horse race that has been happening for centuries. There are neighborhoods called contrada that partake in the Palio. Each contrada receives a horse from a lottery. The passion one has for their contrada is indescribable and their rivalry is even deeper. Coming from an Ohio State football fan who has a strong disliking for That Team Up North, their rivalry is 100x ours. While the actual race is two minutes at most, there is a week of preparing. Whole neighborhoods have feasts and celebrations before and after the race. The winner receives a painting and a year-long worth of pride. The others only celebrate if they beat their rivals. Experiencing this event was incredible and amazing. Witnessing their pride and the Sienese culture is something I will take with me for the rest of my life.
4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?
My professional goal is to become a Physical Therapist. The primary transformation I received from this experience regarding my professional goals is to be understanding. I learned the great importance of overcoming barriers, whether they be language like my experience, cultural, or personality. Whatever the barrier may be, I will be faced with obstacles when treating patients and the only way to provide the best treatment possible is to overcome them. Communication is crucial in any relationship and is critical in the caregiver-patient relationship. From my experience studying abroad, I am driven to continue my studies in Italian to encourage my understanding of others. I also have learned how adaptable I am able to be. While I can plan my future out, I never know what will happen. However, from this experience I know and have peace knowing everything will find a way to work itself out.
