My STEP signature project was through the Fisher Global Consulting Program. Through this program, I traveled to Milan, Italy, and consulted with BIP, an international consulting company. While in Milan, I formed unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories with my team.
This experience was my first time traveling outside of the United States which was nerve-racking for me. I was not sure what to expect and if I would be able to solve problems on my own. Once I got to Milan, I knew that I could figure things out with the help of my peers. I learned that I was much more capable than I initially thought. I was able to solve problems quickly and follow my intuition to make the right choices. This experience has taught me to bet on myself more in life because I am more capable than I know.
Three main events allowed me to come to the conclusion I presented above. When I first arrive in Milan I was terrified that I would not be able to communicate my needs to other people due to the language barrier. Although it was hard at first, I was able to feel more comfortable as certain phrases became familiar but also to my surprise many people spoke English. Many people were willing to help as they could tell that we were out of place. I learned that as long as I put myself out there and asked for help things were easier to figure out.
The second event was when my friends and I traveled to Naples to see Capri, Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. Throughout our travels on the first day, everything went smoothly, but day 2 did not go as planned. Once we got to Amalfi Coast all the ferries got canceled leaving us essentially stranded since our hostel was located in Sorrento. While at dinner around 5:00, we learned that there was a bus leaving for Sorrento at 5:30. Quickly my friends and I all jumped into problem-solving mode. I got the tickets as my friends got the bill, we made it on the bus and eventually made it home.
The final experience that showed me how capable I was of diving into new experiences was when we were about to present our final project and my boss decided that minute to completely change the presentation that we worked so hard on. We were frustrated because we all had our parts situated and ready for our presentation. He decided that he only wanted us to present certain slides and only wanted one of us to present. Reluctantly, I presented unsure of how I was going to do because I was confident in my slides but not everyone else’s. After the presentation, I realized that I was capable and things went better than I thought they were going to.
This transformation has significantly increased my confidence and taught me that as long as I put myself out there things tend to work out okay in the end. I am so grateful for this experience as it has brought me some lifelong friends. Not only have I transformed as an individual but I have grown significantly within the business world. Presenting our final deliverable to not only my boss but his boss and stakeholders within the company taught me that I can do hard things. My friend, Bailey, always said “Growth and comfort do not coexist” and that is something that will stick with me forever as I take on new experiences.