Dear Pre-Departure Grace..
Get ready for the most fun and challenging time of your life. The change will feel astronomical at first, but soon you’ll find such comfort and bliss within the city of Florence and the people that come along with it. Being thousands of miles away from home will feel uncomfortable but we only grow in times of discomfort. Before you know it you’ll have your groove and this Italian city will feel like a version of home too.
You will grow so much in your independence and gain confidence in your own abilities. Living abroad is a monumental change and navigating it on your own can be scary, but your ability to throw yourself into unknown situations will improve immensely. It’s a skill that’s crucial in business and what a cool experience it has been to develop it further.
Navigating new places is another largely developed skill as each new city will require adaptation. You will have incredible experiences and make memories that will last a lifetime. You will connect with new people whether from Pitt or other schools across the country. You’ll be surprised how easily it is to find your way around once you have confidence and an open mind. You should know that it gets tiring but youll learn to find the time to rest and recharge no matter the circumstances, even when that might be a train.
Remember to live every day. Your program may feel slow at times when waiting for the weekend but before you know it you will have less than a month left and wonder where the time has gone. People have always said that it goes fast and to savor every moment but you truly cannot understand that until it’s too late. Ensure that you don’t get too comfortable though and ensure you check off everything from your Florence bucket list.
Take record of everything! This blog will help you remember your adventures but continue to journal and collect things from every place. It will serve as such a perfect collection of all of the feelings and memories surrounding the experience.
Your love for travel will only grow and you’ll learn more about yourself than ever before. Stay curious and ambitious during it all as it will truly make the experience. Eventually you’ll be writing your second to last blog and wonder how these last four months have gone so fast.
