Finding Myself in Florence: My CEA CAPA Spring 2025 Journey

Upon arriving in Florence, I was both nervous and excited for the journey ahead. Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine, and while Florence wasn’t my first choice, I couldn’t be more grateful that it became my home for the semester. I quickly fell in love with walking everywhere whether to class, a restaurant, or simply to clear my head and take in the sights. I was fortunate that my apartment was right next to Santa Croce and only a five-minute walk from my classes, which made the city feel both welcoming and accessible.

What surprised me most was how much my classes shaped my experience, particularly one of my communications courses. One day, my professor shared a quote by Albert Camus: “There is no pleasure in traveling, and I look upon it as an occasion for spiritual testing.” At first, I didn’t understand what it meant. But as the semester unfolded, I realized that to truly understand travel, you have to embrace discomfort and unfamiliar situations. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that you grow the most. I initially thought studying abroad would be perfect, that every moment would feel magical simply because I was in Italy. But the truth is, not everything went as I expected. There were times when I felt homesick, scared, or out of place. Yet those moments challenged me to face my fears, step outside my comfort zone, and discover strengths I didn’t know I had. Florence taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of saying yes to new experiences, even when they feel daunting.

In the end, my time abroad was not just about seeing beautiful art, history, and culture; it was about becoming a stronger version of myself. Traveling isn’t always easy, but it shapes you in ways that last a lifetime. For that, I am incredibly grateful. Thank you, CEA CAPA, for giving me a life-changing experience that I will carry with me forever.