One of the biggest challenges I have faced while assimilating into life in Florence is adapting to the subtle cultural differences in daily routines. In the United States, our schedules tend to be fast-paced and efficiency-focused. In contrast, life in Italy often moves at a slower, more intentional pace, where people take time to enjoy small moments throughout the day. Because of this difference, I have had to adjust the way I approach simple daily activities. For example, when grabbing coffee or walking to class, I need to be mindful of not rushing through the experience. Instead of quickly finishing a coffee and heading out the door, it is more common here to sit and enjoy the moment. I have been adapting to this lifestyle by managing my time more. If I want to get coffee in the morning, I make sure to plan so that I have enough time to sit and enjoy my drink rather than rushing. Similarly, when I leave for class, I try to leave earlier than I normally would back in Pittsburgh. This allows me to walk at a more relaxed pace and appreciate the surroundings rather than feeling pressured to hurry. This change in pace has helped me become more mindful and present in my daily routine.

Another challenge I have encountered is the ambiguity in both my internship and my classes when it comes to instructions. Because Italian culture often prioritizes creativity, many of my assignments do not come with detailed guidelines. Instead of being given clear directions, I need to brainstorm what the result should look like and decide how to achieve that outcome. To navigate this challenge, I have been asking questions and requesting feedback whenever I am unsure about my work. I also collaborate with classmates and fellow interns by discussing how they are approaching their assignments and whether they have unique ideas or strategies for completing the task.

I also view cross-cultural situations as opportunities to learn more about Italian customs and perspectives. Whenever I notice differences between my own behaviors or assumptions and those of the people around me, I try to understand the cultural values behind those differences. When interacting with locals, I try to remain patient and respectful, especially when miscommunication occurs due to language barriers or cultural misunderstandings. These experiences have taught me the importance of cross-cultural communication and adaptability. Through these interactions, I have developed stronger interpersonal skills and have become more open, friendly, and compassionate when meeting new people. Ultimately, these experiences have shaped my identity by helping me learn how to communicate more effectively and build meaningful relationships with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.