Dear Florence,

I will miss you. I will miss your mysterious streets that are full of adventure around every turn. I will miss the many historical buildings that seem to radiate with inspiration. I will especially miss all your many different flavors of gelato, and your mastery of hot chocolate. I will miss the fresh pasta, the real pizza and all the many different stores. You offered me an experience of a life time with people who were incredible to be around. Thank you for opening your heart and opening mine

Love you forever

Dear FIT in Florence,

I don’t think there is a better place on earth where I could have started my first year of College or my first step towards a fashion career.  You have offered me so many opportunities. I have traveled to Paris and Milan -two major fashion capitols- and I’m sure that was only possible with your help. I have been inside some of the world’s greatest trade shows such as the White Trade Show in Milan.  And I couldn’t have gotten to know 8 other talented girls and been able to make life long friends with each and everyone of them through a love of fashion without your help. It was because of you, all the teachers, staff, director, and those attending that made this year abroad… one of a kind.

Thank you a million times (Grazie Mille)

Dear First Year Girls,

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! Look at how much we have grown! Being daring enough to step out of the comfort zone of life and take a swing at enhancing every aspect of our lives! We have grown so much just in the past year and I can honestly say each one of us has something incredible to offer the world of fashion now that our Professors in Italy showed us what we could do and proved our capacities. Good luck to each one of you!

See you in New York!

Dear Readers,

Was Italy worth all the pain and trouble of long paper work trying to get a visa, or permit of stay. Was it worth the jet lag and culture shock… was it worth the sacrifice? Actually what sacrifice? This year I can honestly say was one of the best times and hardest times of my life. It pushed me academically to new heights, physically to new strength, and mentally to a new level of maturity. The Fashion I have learned about here and been able to explore is unmeasurable. This was the best decision hands down for school! If you are trying to decide whether to come here or stay in new york, ask yourself this: Which will take my inspiration and designs to the next level? For me, it was Italy.

Arrivederci and thanks for reading!