Kylee Wargo, Global Business Institute: Florence Fall 2024
Studying abroad has profoundly impacted my personal goals. Before this experience, the idea of packing up and moving away from home felt both daunting and unattainable. I go to school in my home state, with the ability to visit home as much as I want, as I have my car with me at school. This made the idea of living far from home seem like something reserved for a later stage in my life. However, having spent the past four months abroad, I have found such a new level of independence. I was able to travel both solo, and with students close to my age, navigating unfamiliar places and circumstances. I shopped for food by myself and cooked my own meals. I walked through the streets of Florence by myself and was able to flourish as a young woman in her 20’s. As I went about my life for the past four months learning independence and patience, living with seven girls has taught me invaluable lessons. I have learned so much about patience and compassion in friendship and living with my friends. I have also learned how important it is to have a positive community of people around you. One of my roommates especially has influenced me personally in my generosity and compassion to others as her motto “of course” has filtered into my daily vocabulary and mindset as I have watched her be the most selfless person I have ever met. I feel like my personal goals have opened up so much since being abroad. My future feels so unrestricted in where I want to work and live. Everything feels so much more attainable and in-reach. This transformation is not just about independence but also about the realization that I have a dedicated support system, even if it is spread across the globe. My time abroad has opened my eyes to the possibilities of creating a fulfilling life, no matter where I am.
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