These past four months have been some of the most memorable of my life, and I can’t quite believe it is coming to a close. I have met so many new people and experienced so many new things in such a short time that I struggle to even verbalize what this program has done for me. However, I’d like to use this final post to try and reflect on just how much has changed since I first arrived.
When I arrived in Florence, I didn’t know anyone. There were no familiar faces or built-in social circles — just a new city, a different language, and an unfamiliar environment. That initial discomfort ended up being one of the most valuable parts of the experience. I had to actively introduce myself to people, start conversations, and build relationships on my own. The friendships that came out of that felt genuine, and the process helped me develop a level of confidence I wouldn’t have gained in a more comfortable setting.
From an academic and professional standpoint, studying finance in a European context pushed me to think beyond a U.S.-focused perspective. Learning how different economies, markets, and regulatory systems operate gave me a more complete understanding of the material I’ve been studying at Pitt Business. It made it clear how connected global financial systems are and strengthened my interest in pursuing a career that involves international work.
The biggest skills I developed were adaptability and communication. Whether I was dealing with a language barrier at a market, working with international classmates, or figuring out how to navigate a new city, I was constantly adjusting and solving problems as they came up. Over time, I became more comfortable handling unfamiliar situations and learning as I went.
As I continue my time at Pitt Business, I plan to apply that same mindset to group projects, case competitions, and internships. I want to keep putting myself in situations that challenge me, since that’s where I’ve seen the most growth. My experience in Florence showed me that stepping outside my comfort zone leads to real development, and I plan to carry that perspective with me into my future career in finance.
