Be uncomfortable to be comfortable – Elena Macia

The most important thing that I learned during the month in Florence, Italy was about comfort. In the States, we are told to take risks, be bold, and try to step out of our circle. While in Florence, I understood this lesson slightly differently. During the first and second weeks, I was much more reserved and shy regarding indulging myself in the culture. Speaking an Italian word, even as simple as “Grazie” was hard for me because I was unfamiliar and, therefore uncomfortable. I did not know if I was saying it weirdly or if I had an accent or a million other mishaps. However, as the month went along, I got more confident and comfortable. I caught myself in certain situations putting myself in even more vulnerable situations, like asking the cafe worker how to specifically pronounce the pastry I was ordering so I could say it back correctly. The biggest lesson I took away from this experience was to put yourself in uncomfortable situations, safely of course. A classmate of mine, Jacob, really showed me how to do this right off the bat. This friend was not afraid to speak Italian to anyone or to speak it loudly and confidently. At first, I would think to myself how scary and crazy that was of him and then I started to admire his confidence as the weeks went on. My time in Florence, Italy taught me that I can do what I think is crazy or scary at first if I start putting myself out there. My trip showed me I can be confident and adaptable, something I first thought I wouldn’t be.