Hey guys! My name is Joelle, and I am a 3rd year student studying economics at UVA. While I currently live in Virginia, I spent the majority of my childhood moving every 2-3 years. From Puerto Rico to Washington State, I became accustomed to exploring new places from a young age. Having always cherished these experiences, the opportunity to study abroad was extremely appealing. Considering my Italian roots, accompanied by a love for pasta and gelato, Florence felt like a great fit!
Favorite Moment in Florence:
While there are many moments in Florence I will always treasure, some of my favorites have been my long walks behind the San Niccolò neighborhood, away from the city center. I’m incredibly lucky to live just steps below Piazzale Michelangelo, and I’ve loved exploring the quieter areas beyond it. Since the plaza itself can get very crowded, I love enjoying the views from the neighborhoods and walkways a little further past it. Finding a quiet bench where I can read, listen to music, call my family, and soak in the skyline of Florence has been very grounding and restorative during my time in Florence.
Advice to Future Students:
Studying abroad will undoubtedly be one of the most rewarding yet hardest experiences of your life. My biggest piece of advice is to take the process at your own pace and avoid comparing your journey to others. Some students may be more accustomed to traveling, others more extroverted, some less homesick… Make this the experience YOU want to look back on and cherish.
In the beginning months, I found myself getting burned out from traveling too much. While I wanted to keep up with my friends, staying in Florence more frequently was what I needed and wanted— and that is perfectly okay! Remember to embrace the discomfort; growth comes from change. Some of my hardest experiences abroad have ended up being the most meaningful. You’ve got this!!