For my STEP project, I traveled to Italy to study abroad. I took a course called “Michelangelo in His Works” where we got to visit a multitude of museums, cathedrals, and artwork to study the history and importance of Michelangelo’s masterpieces. I lived in the city of Florence and was there for 6 weeks.

While abroad in Italy I was able to encounter many experiences and people who helped shape my views and thought processes. I learned the importance of spontaneity and risk. The world we live in is so large, but yet we confine ourselves to such a small part of it. As I was in Italy, I would travel to many different cities and even countries. I went all around Italy, to Switzerland, and to Croatia. Each place was unique in its own way. I got to see how people on the other side of the world live. I learned how many things I take for granted and how fortunate I am to live the life I do.

This study abroad trip truly showed me how amazing life can be. I learned that planning out your life step-by-step will never work. Things never play out as you hope they do most of the time. And people end up allowing stress and past plans ruin what their future could hold. You need to just live and experience all you see and do. Living in the moment was my biggest eye opening piece of advice I learned while abroad. I am very grateful that I had this experience.

Many events and interactions shaped my change throughout my study abroad. However, one important one was the relationship I strengthened with my best friend, Mackenzie. Being able to travel the world and be adults together really showed us all that we were missing out on. We would plan weekend trips to different cities and countries and travel with complete strangers. We would meet new and friendly faces each day, most of which couldn’t even communicate with us. But by their smile and body language, you could tell how accepting other cultures and countries are. Our world is so large yet together as humans, we can make it small too. I shared so many laughs and lifelong memories with Mackenzie. We both had realizations about our future plans for life, how we thought through problems, all the things we take for granted, etc. I’ll never forget this trip, and it’s mostly due to her.

Another event that occurred that shaped my change throughout this study abroad was all the things we, as Americans take for granted. Being over in Europe, lifestyle was very different. For example, air conditioning was something that many did not have, I lived in Florence for two months in 100-degree weather with no air conditioning. At first I was furious, constantly miserable and complaining. It took me time to realize that this lifestyle is normal for Italians, and air conditioning is meant to be a luxury. Getting used to the heat took some time, but in the end it was a big eye-opener. Many other things are taken for granted such as access to water, access to restrooms, etc. These are simple, every-day things that we, as Americans, don’t think twice about.

And one last event that occurred was the relationship I made with my professors. They were both Italian women, but spoke very well English. It was so interesting to get to learn from them and see the differences in their teaching styles and opinions. Both classes were very interactive and entertaining. I learned so much from both of these women, material wise and knowledge wise. Their humor, patience, and devotion to teaching was truly a treat.

The changes that occurred during my study abroad are very valuable to the rest of my life. I will always remember how grateful I am to have the things I have in America. However, I will never forget the Italian lifestyle and how beautiful and happy their culture was.

Academically, I learned how to be accepting of a new culture and new teachers. It sometimes got hard when taking notes and trying to study if the English wasn’t spot-on like I’m used to. I had to adjust to the differences and find new ways to learn and study with their style. I learned many critical thinking skills and patience with this.

And in my future, as I move on and take on my first full-time job within a hospital, I will be better equipped to work with international patients. I will have a better understanding from a cultural perspective and hopefully be able to better connect with my patients. This trip will affect me for many years to come and has truly taught me some of the most valuable lessons yet.