Reflections from my Semester in Italy

My heart was beating louder than the chatter of the crowded bar in front of me. I kept thinking back to if someone told me I’d be doing an open mic in Italy, I would have laughed so hard. I was never someone who liked taking risks. Never dared to change my familiar habits. One day, I decided it was time to change that and follow in my mom's footsteps. I heard tales of going abroad and knew I wanted that. To be able to tell my kids about different perspectives and experiences. Little did I know how much it would change my outlook. I had seen growth since high school, but getting off my plane in Rome was already eye-opening. Suddenly, I was with people I didn't know and a culture I only really knew from movies. I knew it was the right decision, just as bringing my ukulele was. 

I have played the ukulele since I was 7. It was the first instrument I really learned, and it got me into loving music. So I knew I had to bring a little piece of home with me. Because in an environment where I’m growing and learning so much about others and myself, I wanted something to ground myself back home. I remember finding out how a local live music bar, Marla, had open mic nights. I thought to myself, “No way, I can’t do this.” But at 1am in mid-November, I ripped the band-aid off and reached out to the owner. The next day, I heard back and was approved to play at the bar. 

I had never been so excited and stressed at the same time. How could I be playing in a foreign country with people I'd known for about a month and a half, at my first solo public event? I had managed to blow my own mind. 

But let me tell you, the moment I told my program group chat, the love poured in. I remembered why community and new experiences are so important. I knew, however scared I was, I had the support of friends. So I got on that stage and sang my little heart out to people who impacted me more than they know. 

My advice from this semester… go for it. Whatever it is (within reason). You're scared of heights… explore the beautiful mountains and fun cable cars. You're afraid of not finding your people… go out and have fun. Maybe even give open mic nights a try. I wouldn’t have traded anything for that night.