To my scholarship donor,

Thank you for helping make this semester abroad possible! Studying in Florence has been one of the most impactful experiences of my college career, and I have grown as an individual in so many ways.

Living in a new country challenged me to adapt in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Personally, I’ve grown more independent and flexible. From navigating everyday situations in a new language, to handling unfamiliar environments, I’ve become more confident in my ability to manage uncertainty. I’ve learned how to slow down, observe, and appreciate the present. That shift in mindset helped me form a stronger connection with Florence and the people around me.

I’ve matured in the way of making decisions for myself. Traveling to foreign cities or countries has proven to be oftentimes difficult, and tough decisions had to be made when in a hurry. I’ve become more confident in my instincts, and I feel more comfortable in unfamiliar situations. These are qualities that I will be able to carry with me for the rest of my life, in both an academic and professional setting.

One of the most meaningful parts of this semester was how close I got with my roommates. We started the program as friends, but by the end, it felt more like family. Living together in a new city, figuring things out as we went, and sharing both the chaotic and quiet moments brought us way closer than I ever expected. Whether it was watching movies on rainy nights, grabbing gelato at Vivoli, or pizza at a local pizzeria near our apartment, we were able to spend lots of quality time with each other both in Florence and in other cities on weekends. I know those friendships will last far beyond Florence, and honestly, having that support system made the entire experience so much better.

Looking ahead, I plan to bring this global perspective back to my remaining time at Pitt Business. I want to be more intentional about the way I approach projects and teamwork—drawing from my experiences here to add cultural awareness and creativity to the mix. Long term, I hope to work in a space that values international collaboration and innovative thinking, and this program has given me the tools and the mindset to pursue that path.

Thank you again for supporting this opportunity. I’m incredibly grateful for the growth this semester has brought me, and I look forward to applying these lessons wherever I go next.