Ciao! For those of you who don't know me, I am an incredibly indecisive person. I never know what I want, and I need to think of 13 million possibilities before I make a decision. However, Studying Abroad is the only thing I can think of that I have always been set on doing. Ever since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to spend at least one semester studying in another country. I never understood how anyone could not want to do this and going into Freshman year at SUNY Oneonta I could not wait to make that dream happen.

And now I can say that in 24 days, my dream is finally coming true! I'll be heading to Florence the 28th and I could not be more excited about it! For months I have been excited, stressed, overjoyed, scared, nervous, ecstatic- basically an INSANE emotional roller coaster! But honestly, I wouldn't trade any of the tears, annoyance, or hard work for anything. I haven't set foot in Florence yet and I already know how amazing it is going to be. I mean, i'm going to be spending months in one of my home countries and have the ability to eat great food and travel the continent- what can possibly be better than that?!

I have a lot of hopes for this trip, and I can't wait to get started on this journey. I am half Italian and Chilean, and being able to study in place where my father, uncles, grandparents and cousin grew up is an amazing opportunity. One of my main goals of this trip is to head down South to Calabria where my family originated from.

I think being able to see where my family came from would be amazing. My dad makes fun of me for it, but apparently we own a Chestnut farm and I don't care how ridiculous it sounds I want to see it!

I still have a long 24 days to go, but hopefully writing will make the time go faster. I can't wait to be a student at Lorenzo De' Medici and I'm looking forward to all of the wonderful things in store for me. I've only been to Italy once, about 8 years ago, so if anyone has any suggestions or tips feel free to get in contact with me! Grazie xo