There and Back Again
The following is my Experience Letter that I had to send to the Scholarship Committee that made this wonderful experience possible for me. I thought I'd share it with you all!
SAI Scholarship Experience Letter
Complete honesty would force me to say that travelling to Italy for a semester abroad was something that filled me with apprehension in the weeks before I left. However, now that I am back home in the United States, my complete gratitude forces me to say that this semester benefited me more than I could have ever imagined.
I have never been outside the United States on my own before, and the three and a half months away from my family and friends at first seemed daunting. I did indeed miss home as anyone would, but I feel such pride in myself for gradually adapting to my new environment in the city of Florence. The concept of change has always been a struggle for me, but this semester encouraged me to challenge myself in every way possible. I gained much more in Florence than the knowledge given by my classes, and I think that that is the true point of studying abroad.
Academically, I was thrilled to have classes in a place where we could actually feel and see the history all around us. As an Art major, being able to visit the famous galleries in Florence filled me with excitement and more learning potential than I could have ever gotten from a textbook. Taking classes that truly interested me also encouraged my drive for success that I have maintained throughout my academic years, and it was a wonderful opportunity to learn about art, history, and fashion in a place that holds these topics in such high esteem.
Studying in Florence with a friend from home helped me adjust to some of the changes that I faced during this semester, and making new friends was also a great help for the inevitable homesickness. Above all, though, the greatest aid to my experience was the confidence that I gained by becoming more independent. Being able to navigate a new city, meet new people, tackle a foreign language, set up a budget, and plan my day-to-day schedule all were the results of this newfound confidence that grew from my time away from home. By the end of the semester, I really felt like a resident of Florence who could truly stand on her own.
As I reflect back on my time on the other side of the world, it seems like it moved so fast. The experiences that I had will stay with me forever, though, and the beautiful country that I called home will never fade from my mind. I wanted to study abroad to help myself grow as a person, and I believe that this goal was definitely reached. I now possess strength that could only be attained through the challenge of change, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all who have supported me on this journey. Whether financially or through simple emotional support, so many people have contributed to my experience and my gratitude for this is truly immeasurable.
Studying abroad was one of the most wonderful opportunities I have ever been given in my life, and all that I have gained from this journey will certainly not go to waste. The friends I have made, the academic information that I have learned, and the confidence I now have will continue to be integral parts of my life as I carry on towards new goals and experiences. It feels good to be home, and the pride in myself for coming this far fills me with courage to take on whatever comes next in my life.
Sincerely,
Gretchen Radtke
Thank you to all who kept up with my blog, and know that my adventures in life are just beginning!
Ciao! =]



