Spontaneous is never a word I would use to describe myself. If you asked me of words or phrases I would use to describe myself, I would say things like “organized, thoughtful, goal-oriented”, but never spontaneous. Doing things out of plan, with no schedule or organization was like a phobia of mine. So no, spontaneity was not my forte. However, being in Italy for the past 6 weeks has given me this whole new outlook on life. Now, after 6 weeks, I can say one thing I am bringing home with me is spontaneity.

I have taken impromptu trips to Rome, Venice, and Cinque Terre. I’ve gotten lost in Barcelona and Milan. I’ve tried the wine, I’ve tried the meat, I’ve tried the cheese. I’ve tried every kind of gelato and every kind of pasta. I even found the secret bakery….shhh. The most exciting things I did were the ones that were completely unanticipated. Like the first time I saw the Duomo, I was trying to find my way home after a day at Cinque Terre and was starting to feel lost. I turned a random corner and there it was. In all its immaculate glory. This happened to me on several occasions. The first time I saw the leather market I stumbled upon it, the first time I saw the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, the Mediterranean Sea in Cinque Terre, the Coliseum and the Spanish Steps in Rome, all were just stumbled upon. That almost made them more enjoyable, because it was unanticipated. It was accidental, so I didn’t go in with expectations. I feel like I was able to really take in these monuments with open eyes. It was like a surprise around every corner.

Getting to know the city streets was something I wasn’t sure originally if I could do. But now, I know some of the major inner workings of Florence, I know of the best markets, the cheapest souvenir stands, and that as long as you know what direction the Duomo or the Ponte Vecchio is from where you are, you can find your way anywhere. When my mom came to visit, she was overwhelmed by the streets and finding our way around. But being able to show her the city was like introducing her to a new friend. Getting to know Florence has been such a treat, because I really do find something new every single day. There is so much history behind the city and so much to learn and see in just a short amount of time. Take the time to explore and get to know the city, you won’t regret it.

So I learned not to have expectations, and to keep your eyes and mind open to the new possibilities that may come your way. I learned to be open to change, and that stepping out of your comfort zone is where you grow the most. I learned more about what I want to do in life. I learned that you really can be and do anything in this world if you set your mind to it. The people I have met since my time here have incredible stories of triumph and success. Listening and learning from them inside and outside of the classroom has given me motivation to be what I want to be, and to just go after my dreams rather than dream about it. I have learned to challenge myself and always strive to do more tomorrow. Studying abroad in Italy really has given me an entirely new outlook on life. I feel like with my determination and hunger for education and experience, I can tackle the world. Thank you Firenze for the most incredible 6 weeks of my life.

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Dominique is a current student at Washington State University studying at Florence University of the Arts in Italy during the Summer 2015 term.