This is my love letter to Florence. You changed my life.
The last time I lived abroad, I had a really difficult time. I was always wondering what was happening back at home and never truly lived in the moment. As cliche as that sounds, I knew I wanted a second chance.
I was lucky enough to be given this opportunity when a friend told me to apply for FlorenceFor Fun. After getting a job offer in April, and accepting, I was nervous and scared that what happened three years earlier would happen again.
Fast forward to August 12, when I hopped on a plane from JFK headed to Italy. I was anxious to meet my new coworkers and roommates, to do something completely out of my comfort zone. I had no idea that what I fell into, would change everything for me.
Over the past year, I’ve grown into a stronger, more independent person. I don’t apologize for my dreams anymore and I no longer care if what I want to do makes people uncomfortable. I fell in love with travel and with discovering new places and things. I no longer feel as if I need to buy things, I’d rather spend my money on experiences.
Florence taught me that its okay to feel uncomfortable. Living in this gorgeous city showed me that being put into a situation that you aren’t familiar with is okay. It’s actually sometimes better because you don’t know what will come out of it.
Florence gave me a chance to travel to places I’ve never been. It gave me an opportunity to really live — I did what I want, I ate what I want, I drank what I want, I went where I wanted to go. It gave me a circle of people who love the same things that I do, and who understand the crazy lifestyle I want to have.
The people I met along the way while living in Florence were the ones who made this past year what it was. Without them, it wouldn’t have been the same. I got to Florence scared and unsure of what the future would hold and wondering if I would ever find my place in the world… And I left with a family of some of the most amazing people I have ever met. And now it doesn’t worry me that I don’t know whats next… I’m okay with not knowing and of just rolling with life.
I can’t say it enough, but I’m so grateful that I had this year working and living in Florence. You’re perfect. You’re beautiful, and I know I’ll find my way back to you…..
