La Mia Estate in Italia
Journeying across the ocean to a different country may sound intimidating but I’d later find out it would be the least intimidating of my travels. My hopes of traveling started when I was a child watching “Roman Holiday” starring Audrey Hepburn; Italy looked beautiful and mystifying through the black & white screening. My obsessions became a reality while searching for a study abroad program.
Council on International Education Exchange or (CIEE) was one of the first organizations that peaked my interest and appeared reliable. The application would be available for months but I looked forward to commencing my application, not thinking about any other aspects of the trip to get ready for. It wasn’t until after I submitted my application that I began to think about all the tasks and obstacles I’d have to accomplish and overcome if I were accepted.
Fear and anxiety set in, not only about a possible rejection but acceptance. I began to wonder “What would be necessary for my travels to be successful?” “How would I manage myself?” As those thoughts set in, negative ones did as well. Doubt became my biggest obstacle, I started fabricating excuses and reasons why I wouldn’t be accepted; “I could have wrote that essay better.” “I’m just a kid.” Do I have the money?”. I even began questioning my intelligence and ability, asking myself if I was smart enough and how a teenager could overcome obstacles some adults haven’t conquered.
Weeks passed and my worries showed. One afternoon my pocket buzzed alerting me of an email I received on my phone. CIEE reached out to inform me I was accepted to the program. A mix of emotions flooded my being; I was both ecstatic and devastated, shocked that a kid like myself would become a world traveler. The only troubles I was facing were the ones I had forced upon myself. I pushed them aside and started understanding the reality of my future. With a little fundraising and positivity I’d be on my way.
For a month I was known as one of “The Americans”, a nickname given to me by Ferrara locals.

I was one of 25 high school students, we came from all over the US. Our time in Italy consisted of 4 weeks in Ferrara, a small town located next to Bologna; a place we’d later call home. I had never left the southwestern region of the United States or been away from my family, the ones who supported me, for a long period of time. But, while in Italy I stayed with a lovely family who I’d become 100% comfortable around and would later rely on.

“Mio padre e Io nel mia ultimo giorno”
Every weekday morning I’d bike 10 km to school where I attended language classes; during which I met and befriended local teens who assisted and tutored us in the language and customs. After class we’d eat lunch which usually consisted of a handsome helping of pasta, then we’d set out into the community to immerse ourselves in the culture. Everyday we had a different cultural activity, some days we danced, others we made pasta.


On weekends we’d either take day trips or overnighters to cities such as Florence, Venice, and Ravenna. We also visited San Marino; a small country located in northern Italy. Each city had its own specialty.




After returning to the US, my friends and family noticed how I was a renovated version of myself, I became a new person. The habits I picked up in Italy couldn’t be more different from the ones I had in America. While adjusting to my Italian lifestyle I had to erase some of my American style such as my ideas of nutrients to successfully engage in Italian culture. American food often is seen as negative but in Italy food is usually local and not filled with pesticides or artificial flavorings.


Now more than ever, I want to explore. My trip to Italy inspire what I believe will be a life long desire for world travel, adventure and immersion of new culture. Since my trip I have a new perspective of the world and my abilities. I now know that the fears and doubts I once had were foolish and a person with a constructive and progressive attitude toward their surroundings and self can accomplish anything they wish.
This story is part of a new Storytelling for Changemakers program for Changemaker Schools activated in partnership with Ashoka’s Youth Venture and Start Empathy. Individual views expressed in this blog are from individuals, and not representative of Ashoka, Start Empathy, or Youth Venture.
