WOW… the time is finally here. After prepping for study abroad for almost a year, I feel like I’m in a dream right now. Nothing seems real.
I was extremely nervous to study abroad. The feelings and fears of being in a new place with new people started to become overwhelming. These factors are simply unavoidable in this situation, so accepting them was really the only thing I could do. It was fear mixed with excitement of the unknown. In many situations, I feel like the best thing to do is put yourself out there. It feels really scary and, honestly, weird. BUT, you never know who you’ll meet or what you might have in common, so it’s worth it to just start the conversation. I’ve made some friends in the few days I’ve been here and it feels really good to connect with people in an unfamiliar place.
My apartment building is solely students in my program which has been so fun. My roommates and I hosted a game night while our neighbors made dinner and brought wine to share. I was treated to pasta two nights in a row… how kind is that?! I will say, playing Bullshit with 14 people you’ve known for 48 hours is not ideal (how do I know who’s lying?!). OTHER THAN THAT I had a splendid time 🙂
I’m working as a full-time intern at a boutique while I’m here. My boss loves to speak to me in Italian, so I am trying to learn it as best as I can. Sometimes I just have to nod and smile. It’s weird that this isn’t something I just tell people I’m doing anymore… eek! My boss has asked for my input already. It feels crazy that my opinion is useful to a business… in Italy. I’ve already started my Pinterest board for inspiration to market the store during their rebrand and I think it will be SO good. I’m excited to see how everything comes together and I hope that I can make a difference for the store during my time here.
That’s all for now, I can’t wait to keep updating on my experience in Firenze!
Ciao
XOXO, Jaden