Learning to live life differently

Little pieces of my time spent abroad will stick with me as I continue through my time in college and throughout my life; it was more than just the amazing memories I made traveling with friends, but the smaller cultural practices I picked up during my time in Italy. To me, these were the things that shaped my time abroad the most. From walking down cobblestone streets, hearing the mumblings of conversations around you, and not being able to fully understand them. To enjoying long dinners with friends, discussing our hopes for study abroad while indulging in local Roman cuisine; fried artichokes, pastas, and tiramisù. To truly slow down after a long day and spend that time with people you cared about became something to look forward to every week.

My routine also became different. I often found myself at the local market where I could communicate with the vendor through a series of hand motions and broken Italian words. After I collected my harvest of produce which normally consisted of tomatoes, zucchini, and spinach, I would take time to learn to cook with local products and make dishes that were simple but delicious.

When I could afford it, I would spend hours in a café simply enjoying the coffee and pastries while reading a book or talking to a friend. Spending long periods of time in cafes or restaurants whether with another or by yourself is common practice, and something I began to appreciate.

With the overwhelming amount of new cultural norms, I found myself often feeling humble and needing to be patient while getting through the day. Getting groceries, ordering food, and asking for help were simple interactions that now took twice as much effort. However, discomforts began to ease nearing the end of my semester long journey, and even turn into confidence. Every day I was faced with something outside of my comfort zone, and in return I learned to live a little differently.

Name: Adelle Dingledine

Status: Sophomore

Major: Advertising Management

Hometown: Haslett, Michigan

Program: American University of Rome