Growing up in a small town and in a low-income household, traveling internationally always felt like something that happened to other people. I never imagined I would one day find myself walking through the streets of Sicily, Italy, surrounded by vibrant red poppy flowers and landscapes more beautiful than I could have dreamed. Every day felt like a reminder of how far I had come. The people of Sicily were some of the kindest and most fun individuals I have ever met, welcoming us with smiles, laughter and a joy for life that was impossible not to admire. Sicily taught me that the world is so much bigger than the place where I grew up, and that opportunities can take you farther than you ever thought possible.

I am incredibly grateful to have shared this experience with such an amazing group of classmates and professor Cornette, whose guidance helped make this journey unforgettable. One of my favorite memories was standing in Modica, taking in the beauty of the Duomo di San Giorgio as its golden colors seemed to glow against the Sicilian sky. Those moments, shared with people who quickly became friends, are memories I will cherish forever. While I returned home with photos and stories, I know I will spend the rest of my life trying to find gelato that tastes as good as it did on the streets of Sicily. No matter where life takes me, a part of my heart will always remain among the poppy fields, the winding roads and the unforgettable charm of Sicily.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Sicily: Crossroads in the Mediterranean