Travel more to discover yourself!

I had no idea how drastically my life would alter in the next four months as I stepped off the plane in Florence International Airport. Everything felt different right away. The air was crisp, and the sun shone brightly over the Tuscan landscape. My eyes wet as I looked around at my new surroundings, taking in the full beauty of Italy.

As a junior in college, I spent my spring semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy. My new home would be a metropolis that has been around for about a thousand years. Because I had never lived outside of the United States, I approached the situation with trepidation. Nonetheless, over the next few months, I would go through various changes and mature in ways I had never experienced before. I journeyed across Europe, visiting countries I had only imagined visiting before. As I explored the unknown, my worries gave way to enthusiasm and curiosity.

Several necessary meetings regarding safety, life in Italy, and other recommendations for adjusting to our new home were held while we prepared for our journey in the fall. However, there was little to prepare me for such a drastic change in lifestyle when I arrived in Florence.

Life in Florence altered me in ways I could never have predicted. I began to see things from a different perspective, as well as new approaches to life. My family didn't travel much when I was growing up in Massachusetts, let alone to other countries. I'd always seen the world through the eyes of a New Englander, so stepping into something new was both fascinating and terrifying. I traded the cold winters of the northeast for the Mediterranean's rustic, sun-drenched environment.

The experience began to take hold after a few days of settling in. The streets had a different feel to them, the Florentines were truly polite and helpful to visitors, and the amount of history in the area was incredible. Every turn and alley felt like a step back in time, and there was gorgeous art everywhere.

I grew accustomed to the way of life over time. Things seemed to move more slowly in Florence, with less of a rush to get from one activity to the next. People would take their time in Florence and enjoy the current moment. Water and energy efficiency were prioritized, and the food was prepared quickly and without fuss. I found myself being organically active every day, with no concern about whether or not I was getting enough exercise. For the first time, I learnt to cook, experimenting with classic Italian recipes and developing a passion for their cuisine.

Heritage and cultural knowledge were extremely significant in Florence, which makes sense given the city's contributions to the world: Dante's writings, Galileo's pioneering research, and the Medici family's regional dynasty. Churches were strewn across the city, imbuing public areas with a spiritual majesty. The great architectural feat of Brunelleschi and Cosimo de' Medici — the Duomo — hung over the city like a sentinel. As if that weren't enough, the Uffizi and the Accademia both house some of the world's most important art collections. Taking a stroll through Florence's streets was like stepping into a time machine and interacting with the Renaissance.

These lifestyle changes shifted my perspective on American culture. I began to see how we, as a civilization, could benefit from the experiences of others. There is a strong desire to believe that our methods are superior. There is nothing to be learned from a culture other than our own. However, being in a different country provided me with a breakthrough, allowing me to apply principles learned in Italy to my American life. Whether it's taking extra time with friends or resisting the impulse to rush between things, I now attempt to slow down and embrace the present. But, most importantly, I've developed an insatiable urge to travel and learn about various cultures. Even within the United States, each place has a lot to teach and experience.

The act of trying something new is beneficial to your health. It broadens your horizons, allows you to grow, and provides you with a new viewpoint. In everyday life, this allows for more creativity and comprehension. You'll gradually gain confidence as you work through the unknown.

As a result, I strongly encourage you to take a chance and travel. Have you ever had a dream vacation spot in mind but never felt prepared to go? Also, travel does not have to be costly or extensive. It may be as simple as going for a drive to a neighboring location. However, the most essential thing is to extend your horizons and try new things. Keep an open mind. You'll eventually get awareness and affection for things that used to be frightening.