Dear Pre-Florence Ruby,
You have so much to look forward to. Things are about to change. Coming to Florence will teach you about independence, self-advocacy, resilience, and embracing the unknown. This experience will push you in ways you never expected, but every challenge will lead to growth. You’ll navigate a new city, adapt to a different culture, and find your own self in a place that will soon feel like home. You will meet incredible people, friends from all over who will shape your journey in ways you can’t yet imagine. Some will be with you for just a moment, while others will become lifelong connections. You will bond over shared experiences, and the excitement of discovering Florence and the world together. There will be moments when you miss home, and sometimes wish you were with your loved ones, the familiar comforts, your family, your usual routines. But there will also be moments when you fall in love with your new home. The sunsets over the Arno, espresso at your favorite café, local markets, cute shops, and the history around you. You might get lost, but those wrong turns will lead you to places you never would have found otherwise, hidden streets, and quiet spots. Not every day will be easy. There will be communication difficulties, cultural differences, and moments of doubt. But through those challenges, you will build confidence. You will learn to trust yourself, to speak up when you need help, to find your way no matter what. You will discover how capable and strong you truly are. So, take it all in. Try every dish, say yes to adventures, and let yourself be fully present. Get to know every area of the city, find the less touristy spots, meet locals, put yourself out there. Don’t rush. Some of the best moments will be the ones you don’t plan, the unexpected conversations, the random walks, the little moments of joy in your everyday routine. This journey will change you in ways you don’t even realize yet. And one day, you’ll look back and smile, knowing this was one of the best decisions you ever made.
With excitement,
Your future self
