Florence… I have arrived!
Hello all,
My name is Carolina and I am currently a third year Graphic Design major. I have always had a passion for art and discovering new things. Ever since I can remember I haven’t missed a chance to create something or get my hands dirty with a new project, and I have been very fortunate that my parents have been able to provide me with a good amount of travel experience. Yet, when the opportunity of going aboard for a semester presented itself, I am ashamed to say that contrary to what one may think, I did not immediately jump on the chance to go. Although studying a full semester in Florence, Italy did sound appealing, the thought of leaving the comfort of Northeastern and my friends made me doubt my choice to leave. But it wasn’t long before I realized that opportunities like this don’t happen very often, therefore I decided to put myself to work and now here I am, on the other side of the world.
Although I would like to say that I have been aboard in Florence for a while I can’t, as I have just arrived a couple of hours ago. I have yet to experience much, but what I have been able to catch glimpses of has been amazing. Just walking to and from my building to the little convenience store at the street corner makes me feel like I have just been dropped into the middle of a movie. People have also been very nice, especially considering my lack of knowledge of the language. But, just because I can’t yet tell you much about this beautiful city that does not mean that I can’t tell you about my journey here.
After months and months of getting things together – visa, medicines, paper work, etc. – the day finally came to leave. The packing had taken its toll on me as I had attempted to put 4 months worth of clothing into one suitcase. Although the urge to take everything in site was hard to resist the truth is the clothes you take won’t make your trip, and anything you don’t take can be easily purchase in one of the many stores found around the city. So just remember that when packing, only take those few basic things you can’t live without, because you can survive 4 months without your favorite coconut shampoo, trust me.
Aside from the packing and getting things straitened out, one of the biggest obstacles to overcome were my nerves and doubting about whether I made the right decision by choosing to go abroad, especially when all your friends will stay together back in school. As I got to the airport this fear seemed even bigger as I found myself alone in a huge airport, but slowly people started coming together, which comforted me. I even talked to a girl on my flight about it and she told me that same thing had bothered her when she decided to leave for the semester; it was nice to know I wasn’t alone. Because even though the feeling that everything you know back home will keep moving on without you might be a bit hard to digest, the truth is you are just taking a little bit of a detour, and you’ll be back before you know it. So, if you are unsure of whether you should go abroad or not just remember it is easy to get lost in small moments. When in doubt just think about all the amazing experiences you are about to make with all these new people who have the same mindset of having the greatest time they can during their time abroad. I have only been here hours and I already know that the adventures just beginning.
Arrivederci!
Carolina R
