Since I have been in Firenze over a month now, I really see the city’s beauty. I first arrived and saw darkness, people always smoking, and colors of grey. Now I can see the buildings and churches with a new understanding of this great place. With more time each day I am able to learn new parts of the city but now have a sense of direction and knowledge of how to get from place to place. Living with new people and learning of a new place is always tough, but it is starting to become a new home.

Going away on trips is making Firenze a place of relevance and calm. Every time I go somewhere new, it’s a brand new place to try and figure out. You are lost a lot, and nothing is familiar. You see new buildings and monuments, all at a fast rate. Then you come back to Firenze and recognize the buildings and streets, it becomes that calm place you know. Seeing all these great places is amazing, but taking more time every week and discovering a new home, is even more of a gift.

Emily – University of South Carolina