One major soft skill that I have learned and refined during my time here in Florence is how to communicate efficiently and effectively. Being thrown into a new culture with people who speak a completely different language has been a very difficult, yet rewarding experience for me. I have been forced to learn a lot about myself and how I approach challenges in my life. I came here knowing zero Italian and had very little knowledge about Florentine culture and way of life. This made it very difficult to communicate with locals and my teachers/coworkers. I had to find new ways to interact with people, and adapt to being an outsider. This challenge has helped me refine my communication skills in many ways; I have learned how to explain things better with my body, and what questions to ask to better understand someone. While I still struggle to communicate here in Florence, I have learned how to navigate this struggle with patience, a sense of humor, and a growing confidence in using gestures, basic Italian phrases, and the kindness of locals to bridge the gap.

Due to my ability to effectively communicate, I have been able to interact and connect with locals and other program participants much better. This has allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for Florentine culture and the relationship that the locals have with the city. Through my interactions with locals, I’ve come to see how deeply connected they are to their city and the immense pride they take in being Florentine. I truly admire this cultural pride and, with each day, I continue to learn more about and grow in appreciation for the city they cherish so dearly. Through my interactions with locals here, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for my own roots and the culture I grew up in. Observing how profoundly culture shapes Florentine identity has inspired me to reflect on how my own background and upbringing have influenced the person I am today. This has allowed me to appreciate not only who I am, but also what has shaped that identity. 

During my time in Florence, I’ve faced the challenge of navigating daily life as an outsider, but in doing so, I’ve gained more than just survival skills—I’ve developed a deeper understanding of communication, connection, and culture. What started as a struggle to be understood has become a journey of personal growth, self-reflection, and newfound appreciation for both Florentine life and my own cultural roots.