Hi, my name is Livia Sinani. I am a third-year student at the University of Virginia, studying economics and public policy. My main areas of interest in policy include economic policy, foreign affairs, and equality policies. After graduating, I hope to work for nonprofits that advocate for the rights of those in need.

Favorite Moment in Florence:
I have had so many wonderful moments in Florence, filled with adventure, curiosity, and beauty. But I would have to say my favorite moment in Florence has been rafting down the Arno. This was an activity offered by the ISI staff and, in my opinion, worth participating in if you have the chance. I am not an outdoorsy person nor am I athletic, however, I found rafting down the Arno to be a surreal experience. Not only do people wave at you while you raft, instilling a sense of warmth and welcome, but you also get to see the Ponte Vecchio, one of the main tourist attractions in Florence, from a completely different perspective. Also, the time that we went rafting was around sunset, and the sky was filled with beautiful golden and pink hues. Additionally, the rafting experience involved going down the San Niccolò weir, which felt like doing a water ride at an amusement park. Moreover, there’s something uniquely gratifying about being able to state that you went rafting on the Arno, a historic and culturally significant river.

Advice to Future Students:
Don’t be afraid to try new things, especially by yourself. At times, it’s comforting to have people with you on your journeys. However, sometimes your schedule doesn’t align with your friends, giving you the opportunity to be alone. I’d say, take advantage of these opportunities to explore and try new things on your own. Solo trips are very popular for this reason. However, you don’t even need to have a solo trip to discover the benefits of being alone. Even spending an evening in Florence by yourself will achieve the same goals. The process of being alone can be an unexpected way to meet new people to connect with and in the process learn more about yourself.