Ava Szalkai, Sofia Giordano
As study abroad comes to an end there are many thoughts running through our heads, replaying our best memories, and reflecting on the time we’ve spent here. We wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Florence was the best place to call home for the past 4 months. With all this being said, here is our goodbye to the best city and home away from home we could have asked for…
Ava: “Dear Florence,
When I think back to the person I was when I first arrived in Florence compared to who I am today, it feels like they are two completely different people. These past four months have been the best of my life. I’ve made forever friends, countless memories, and experienced things I had only dreamed of. When I first chose Florence, I had no idea how much living in a city like this would change my life. It has truly become my second home. Learning my way around the city and discovering hidden gems made my time here even more special. There was no better feeling than coming back to Florence after a weekend of travel, knowing I felt at home. At first, I was nervous about all the uncertainty, but if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I would always choose Florence. A piece of my heart will forever stay here. When I return one day, I can’t wait to relive the days of exploring new streets, meeting new friends, trying new foods, and experiencing a culture I fell in love with. Thank you, Florence, for being the best home these past four months. I will miss you and all your beauty. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you later!”
Sofia: “Dear Florence,
As I prepare to leave this beautiful city that has become my home, my heart is full—with gratitude, nostalgia, and a bittersweet sense of pride. These past four months in Florence have been some of the most powerful, transformative, and soul-stretching months of my life. You’ve given me more than just a study abroad experience; you’ve given me a journey of self-discovery.I came here excited but uncertain, unsure of what lay ahead. Coming from a tight-knit family that I’ve never truly been away from, I knew going abroad would push me outside of my comfort zone in the best ways. But I never imagined just how deeply I would grow—not only as a student of business and finance, but as a young woman learning to navigate the world on her own. You challenged me, Florence, in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. There were moments of pure magic—skydiving over the snow-capped Alps in Switzerland, for example. That’s something I never imagined myself doing. I’m the type to worry, to hesitate, to avoid risks. But that day, I jumped. I let go. I took a risk. And in that freefall, I discovered a courage I didn’t know lived within me. I felt the thrill of doing something bold—something completely out of character—and I smiled like I never had before. It reminded me that growth lives on the other side of fear, and that sometimes we have to push ourselves far beyond what’s comfortable to uncover who we really are. I danced through the streets of Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, surrounded by strangers who became fast friends. I sang beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower in Paris, full of joy and awe. I met people from all walks of life, shared stories over aperitivo and pasta, and built connections that reminded me how universal the human experience truly is. These relationships taught me to listen more, embrace differences, and open my heart to new perspectives. But it wasn’t always easy. There were nights when I longed to share these once-in-a-lifetime moments with my family. Whether I was tasting the best gelato of my life or watching the sun set over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, I often wished my loved ones were beside me. Missing them was one of the hardest parts of this journey. But in that longing, I learned to be okay with solitude—to sit with it, grow through it, and let it strengthen me. You taught me that discomfort isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to embrace. In discomfort, I found independence. In uncertainty, I found clarity. And in your winding streets, Florence, I found pieces of myself I didn’t even know were missing. You helped me realize that personal growth and professional development are intertwined. Every new situation, every challenge I overcame, sharpened the skills I’ll carry into my future in business—adaptability, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and confidence in ambiguity. You made me more than a better student—you made me a better version of myself. Thank you, Florence, for the tears, the laughter, the courage, and the growth. I’m so proud of the girl who stepped off that plane four months ago—and even prouder of the woman who’s leaving now: grateful, brave, and forever changed. This is not goodbye, but see you later.”
Choosing Florence was the easiest and best decision we could have made. Although our time here has come to an end, Florence will forever be our home away from home. Amiamo Firenze <3!
Check out Florence Through our Lens! We had so much fun putting this video together! The best time, in the best place, with the best people!
Below is a link to our Tik Tok as well! We loved putting together some of our favorite videos to show everyone our favorite place!
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8jgtvVY/