I have always been obsessed with Italy and it’s culture and have always had a deep connection to Italian culture and arts. For these reasons, my decision to study abroad in Italy was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. I will be attending Bocconi University in Milan for the fall semester, and I am feeling ALL the emotions about it.
First, I am head over heels thrilled. I have always considered myself a city girl trapped in the suburbs. Every time I would make the trek to Chicago, the liveliness and the diversity of the city and the people always left me with a feeling of this is where I’m supposed to be. Being able to explore the fast-paced city of Milan, and being able to call it my home for a whole semester excites me to no end.
However, with extreme excitement comes some nervousness. I have never been to Europe before, and have never even been out of the country without my parents. So this is pretty much my first taste of complete independence. Don’t get me wrong, I have definitely become more independent my first two years of college, but there is still comfort knowing that your parents are a phone call and a 45 minute drive away. So I am ready to embrace the full independence and to be completely on my own for the first time in 20 years.
Despite this whirlwind of emotions, I am ready to experience the best semester of my life. The people I’m going to meet, places I’m going to see, things i’m going to eat will culminate into one of my most cherished experiences. I am excited to leave Milan feeling inspired, more knowledgeable, and more aware of my capabilities as both a student and a twenty year old GAL.
