Seeds I Planted in Florence: What a Semester in Italy Taught Me About Who I’m Becoming

I like to think of myself as a garden. Every chance I take is a seed, and landing in Florence was the biggest one I’ve planted yet. I didn’t arrive in Italy with a “what to do” or “what to see” checklist, just two suitcases and a carry-on. I jumped into an ocean hoping I’d learn how to swim, and somehow, I did.

When I applied to study abroad I felt the need to grow in a different atmosphere and I heard Italy was the place to go. When I say grow, I mean to see who I would be when everything familiar was gone. Somewhere between navigating grocery stores alone, filming content for CIS Abroad, and traveling through Paris, London, Morocco, Barcelona, and cities across Italy, I met a version of myself I didn’t even know existed. She was independent. Intentional. Unafraid to move first.

What Made Florence Special

Florence is a city that doesn’t rush you. Living there has taught me to move intentionally while taking in the moment to sit and be at peace. Moving to a place where English isn’t the first language made me slow down and learn how to adapt, problem-solve, and become comfortable with figuring situations out on my own.

As a Black woman, it wasn’t surprising for me to be the only one in the room. But, that was a slight fear of mine going abroad. That fear felt loud at first, yet Florence silenced that feeling. The color of my skin wasn’t as big of a factor as I expected it to be. This shift made me capable of having room to breathe and grow my seeds.

How This Experience Changed Me

Going abroad gave me confirmation on a few things I already knew about myself, one being that I am not a follower. If I plan to take something on, I have to take those steps – even if no one wants to put their shoes on and come with me. Having the chance to create content for CIS Abroad, collaborating with my site directors Martina and Tommy to produce projects like a day at the Gucci Museum showed me that I can thrive when I am given creative ownership. The responsibilities I was given opened a path for me to pursue strategic communications and a career that allows me to travel.

Having so much time on my hands, I learned how much I value solitude. I used to always fill my time up with nonsense just to avoid the silence. I became more intentional with my connections, my interest, and my time spent. Florence didn’t just show me the world — it showed me me.

How I’ll Use What I Learned Back in the U.S.

Going back home was definitely a bittersweet moment. I knew I couldn’t bring everything back with me but, what I am bringing home is intentional planning, discipline, and adaptability. I was able to travel Europe and that taught me the importance of preparation – honest budgeting, early bookings, and setting priorities to follow leads to a better outcome. This takeaway will be applied to my academics, career goals, and personal connections. Instead of moving with the fear of missing out, I now move with clarity.

5 Things I Learned While Studying Abroad

• You don’t have to say yes to everything — but reflect on why you’re saying no.
  
• Financial differences are real, and acknowledging them doesn’t make you weak.
  
• Solitude is not loneliness,  it’s clarity.
  
• Time is more valuable than money.
  
• You will outgrow some people, and that’s okay.
  

Practical Advice for Future Students

• ●    Book flights early, procrastination is expensive.
  ●    Use hostels and Airbnbs strategically when traveling; read reviews carefully.
  ●    Plan trips intentionally, not impulsively. Quality over quantity.
  ●    Go places alone at least once. It will change you (doesn’t have to be a trip, go to the grocery store).
  ●    Prioritize your goals before prioritizing friendships — this journey is yours.

Final Reflection

When people ask me, “How was it?” I never know how to answer. Because how do you sum up six months of becoming? Florence was growth, discomfort, freedom, and joy all at once. It reminded me that I will never be my final self, and that’s the beauty of it.

This lifetime is long. I’ll see the same places, people, and versions of myself again. So I’m not saying goodbye. Maybe I’ll see you later.

From Europe with love,
Janaya ✈️💌

Blog by Janaya Banks, Columbia College - Chicago
Semester in Florence