Dear Logan (Pre-Departure),

I know how excited you are about this experience yet equally anxious about how it will all turn out. You’ve dreamed of diving into Florence’s culture, traveling through Italy, and maybe even venturing to other countries for numerous years. At the same time, right before you leave, you’re bracing yourself for the challenges of living with seven direct roommates and eight indirect roommates while also balancing a demanding internship with coursework. You’ve done so much to set this up for me, and for that, I want to thank you.  

Here’s what I wish I could tell you: while this semester won’t be the dream experience you’re envisioning, it will still be deeply meaningful in its own way. You won’t make lifelong friends with your housemates or feel completely at home in your living situation. You were right to worry—it’ll be tough at times, and there will be moments when it feels like everyone else’s priorities and resources are so different from yours. But those differences will remind you of what makes you unique: your focus, your ability to adapt, and your commitment to making this experience count.  

Be prepared for the disappointment of your living situation. Sharing space with fifteen people will be draining, and it’ll often feel like you’re on an entirely different wavelength from those around you. While others are here to party and backpack Europe, you’ll approach this experience with purpose. You’ll excel in challenging courses, pour your energy into a demanding internship, and remain grounded despite financial challenges. At times, it will feel isolating. You’ll wonder, “Why can’t I just enjoy it like everyone else seems to?”  

But as Harry Styles says, “We’ll be a fine line.” What is done is done—it could have been worse, it could have been better, but it’s over, and you’ll learn from it. The truth is, you’ll find moments of clarity in that line between what you wished this semester would be and what it actually becomes. Those moments of growth and reflection will be the ones that stick with you.  

Take solace in the moments you carve out for yourself. Those quiet walks in Santa Croce or Le Cure, discovering Shake Café and the Odeon to spend a whole afternoon at, and the language skills you continue to refine will remind you why you came here. The internship you were nervous about? It’ll push you but also prove how capable you are. You’ll leave a mark at CSF with your passions and grow in ways you didn’t think possible.  

Speaking of Italian—you’re going to thrive. All those hours spent learning and practicing the language will pay off, not just in convenience but in connection. Those small conversations, whether they’re with locals, colleagues, or shopkeepers, will leave you smiling. Keep working at it; every effort you make builds bridges and deepens your experience.  

Yes, there will be times you feel let down—by your environment, your peers, or even the systems you relied on. But don’t let that overshadow the growth and resilience you’ll gain. You’ll adapt, thrive, and find joy in unexpected places. It’s hard to leave behind traditions and that “last year at Pitt” feeling, but the trade-offs are worth it. Stay close to loved ones with your newsletters, posts, and calls, and know that the life you’re building in Italy is just as full of memories to cherish.  

Keep your eyes open, your heart light, and your mind curious. This will be a transformative chapter, one you’ll look back on with gratitude—even for the difficult parts.  

You’ve got this.  

With love,  

Future Logan