Brittany is a current student at Point Loma Nazarene University studying at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) in Italy during the Fall 2014 term.

Tell us why you chose to study abroad.
I chose to study abroad because I love to travel and I love new cultures. That being said, I have not been able to stay for an extended period of time in any of the locations that I have been blessed to visit. Studying abroad will give me the opportunity to really learn the ins and outs of the Italian culture- from language to fashion.

Tell us about your school, major, interests, clubs (you in a nutshell).
My name is Brittany Hernandez. I am a Fashion Merchandising major at Point Loma Nazarene University. I love the community that my university offers me and the relationships that have made.  I also love my very large family and spend much of my free time with them. As an aunt of 13 nieces and nephews I aim to be the best role model I can be. Relationships are my most valued possession and communicating my most enjoyed pass time. I have been a dancer for the majority of my life, of the hip hop and jazz variety.  As can be imagined, I love fashion-from street fashion to couture- it offers a form of personal expression that goes beyond words. In my career, I hope to use my love of relationships and fashion to help people dress themselves in a way that makes them confident in their own skin.

What are you most excited about re. studying abroad?
I am most excited about…well that’s a hard one because I am equally excited about a few aspects of being abroad. For starters, I am excited for the new people that will be welcomed into my life and the relationships that will be made. I am excited for the new cuisine that will replace my So Cal staples (i.e. Burritos or Mexican food in general). I am excited for the new fashions that I will be exposed to and the beauty of my surroundings.

What are you most nervous about re. studying abroad?
I tend to get so excited about this semester that all my apprehensions and worries tend to fade into the back of my mind, not to say that I have none. I am nervous about being away from my family for that long. I am also nervous about the language barrier and not wanting to make a fool of myself.  I am honestly most nervous about being pick pocketed.  None of these things will cause the end of the world, but all of them do required figuring out and working through!

What are three goals that you would like to achieve/accomplish while abroad?

1. To find an Italian woman to be my momma figure during my time in Italy.
2. To be in Milan or Paris during fashion week. Even if I can’t see a fashion show, the street fashion would be amazing to see firsthand.
3. To discover the best gelato shop and be able to order in fluent Italian by the end of my stay.