I cannot believe I am already writing my final blog post for this experience. The thought of saying goodbye to Florence is very upsetting, however, I know I will always look back at this experience with a whole heart knowing how much I was able to see, grow, and learn in just four short months. 

One of the most important things I have learned from this experience was to push myself out of my comfort zone. Studying abroad was my very first time in Europe, and it was definitely daunting at first. I was worried I would never adjust, I would be homesick, and that I would never find my place here. The first week being here was extremely hard, however, the growth I have made in this short time was worth every moment of sadness, discomfort, and uncertainty. 

While being here, I said yes to everything, whether it was going on a walk, getting gelato, exploring a new place, going to a museum, or discovering a new country. Saying yes has led me to create some of the best memories with some of my best friends and new people along the way. Another way I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone during this experience is by speaking Italian often. In the beginning, I was hesitant about speaking Italian to any of the locals. Now, I am confident enough to try my best to speak and have small conversations. This past weekend while I was in Palermo, my friends and I had a conversation with our boat guide in Italian. He was excited to let us try speaking, and he was able to help us learn more. 

My classes here in Florence have also given me a new perspective on the things I enjoy learning about. At Pitt, I have not taken anything other than business courses since my freshman year. This semester, I am taking Italian, Renaissance Art History, Oil Painting, and International Marketing, and I love every class. Coming into this experience, I knew I would love Italian class, as I loved learning Spanish throughout high school. My Italian teacher has us speak in class to practice, and she encourages us to practice in everyday life in Florence. I loved practicing in Sicily. Oil Painting class has given me a new hobby. At home, I never paint, and I never considered doing it in my free time. I find myself going to work on my paintings in my free time here simply because I enjoy it. My absolute favorite class of this semester is Renaissance Art History. I have learned so much, and I will be going home with a newfound appreciation for the arts. On the surface, although it is beautiful, it is difficult to see truly how much art and history is rooted here in Florence. This class has shown me to look for the unexpected, and to analyze things deeper. I look back and laugh, as at the beginning of this semester, I considered dropping this class to take International Finance because that is what I was used to. I could not be more happy that I took a chance on something different, and I am genuinely upset that a class is coming to an end. 

Taking chances has truly been a foundation for me during this abroad experience and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for this opportunity. I will carry the lessons I have learned for the rest of my life, and I will embrace future opportunities and discomfort as it comes. This experience has only grown my passion to see the world, and I look forward to all future chapters to come. 

Grazie Firenze!