• Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed. 

Over the course of this past semester I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. I spent four and a half months living and learning Italian culture. I also used my free time on the weekends to travel to other European cities and countries, and had the incredible opportunity to experience those cities, people and cultures.

• What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place. 

Throughout my time abroad my view of the world changed and evolved. I became more open-minded and worked to break down the American “bubble” I have grown up in. It was interesting to experience first hand just how different other cultures are from America. Whether it was something as simple as learning that Europeans need to pay for water when they dine out, or as complex as European education systems, my time abroad changed the way I had perceived many of these foreign cultures.

While away, not only did I learn more about the world, but I learned more about myself as well. I discovered that I was more adventurous than I ever realized. I found myself constantly stepping outside of my comfort zone in my efforts to try local cuisines or participate in adrenaline filled activities. I did not want to miss anything.

• 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? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

During my time in Europe, I interacted with people from a variety of countries and backgrounds. On one of my favorite trips to Bruges, Belgium, my friend and I met a young couple from France. We spent nearly an hour speaking to these people in the street until we decided to all go and share a traditional Belgian dinner together. We found a neighborhood eatery, and tried lots of local dishes while swapping stories about where we come from, our families, and our lives. The couple taught us about French cuisine, education and social life. This unique experience allowed me to freely ask questions and understand how life outside of my Rye Brook and Ohio State “bubbles” are different.

Studying in Italy, I attended an International school where my classes consisted of students from Russia, Spain, Kazakhstan, and England, to name just a few countries. We were lucky that our professors gave us time to interact with one another, and we built relationships both in and out of the classroom. It was interesting hearing what brought each student to Italy, and I found it particularly intriguing speaking to the Russian students. Many shared that they do not feel safe in their home country and that they are not accepted by their families for living an “artsy lifestyle.” This was sad for me to hear as I am very close with my family and they accept me for who I am, quirks and all! 

I took a few art classes, thinking that since I was in Florence I should take advantage of learning about all of its beautiful architecture, museums, and bridges. I am so happy I did. My sketching class brought us to different Piazzas each week, where we sat with our sketch books and worked on various illustrations of the Duomo, bridges, and fountains. It was a dream. I went to see the David statue and had to sketch him. I am no Michelangelo, but I did the best I could! I found myself appreciating art much more than I ever did.  When my family came to visit, I was actually an informed tour guide! They were pretty impressed. Sitting on the Ponte Vecchio bridge at sunset was one of my favorite things to do, and paint. It was so beautiful it didn’t seem real. I appreciated every magical moment.

• Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

Over the course of the past five months I took advantage of every opportunity I possibly could to speak to new people, try new foods and partake in new activities. These experiences broadened my horizons and taught me about other people and cultures. I believe my time spent in Europe has made me a more well-rounded and interesting individual, which will greatly enhance both my professional and personal life. As I will soon find myself entering the business world, I feel I am now well equipped to work with all types of coworkers and handle any situation I may find myself in. This new air of confidence makes me feel like a better person. Being abroad opened my mind to new ideas and has helped me develop a more inclusive view of life, which makes me feel less judgemental.

I was never a real foodie, but was determined to not let anything pass me by. I tried oysters and cicchetti in Venice; pate in Bruges; spicy tapas in Madrid; and stegt flaesk in Copenhagen. I liked some, loved others, and didn’t really dislike anything. Also, I wouldn’t consider myself a “scaredy cat”, but I am certainly one who thinks things through and never does too many crazy or dangerous things. Yet, while abroad, I jumped out of a plane in Switzerland (skydiving), jumped off a high cliff in Malta, and rode a vespa in Tuscany. I am really proud of myself. And I will be forever grateful to those who helped me realize my dream of living in Florence, and experience the most incredible opportunity of a lifetime.