My return statement:
    As I prepared for my semester abroad, I had all sorts of plans and aspirations, mostly centered around my own education within the classroom. Yet, I feel that the most enduring lessons I learned were not entirely scholastic in nature. As I imagined my time abroad, I pictured travelling through Tuscany on weekends, frequenting the city’s museums, and sipping espresso in charming piazzas, and conversing with the local old timers in Italian. Though I was able to do these things, they represented a small fraction of what actually happened.     I was very fortunate to be able to travel with my wife Jenny, and our son, Raphael. Though we were very lucky to find a wonderful daycare for him, he was often sick with various colds and fevers that he picked up from the other children. Juggling school, work, and caring for our son frequently proved daunting, though we would plan our meals, errands, and museum visits around his nap times. Pushing his stroller on small medieval cobblestoned streets was a new, and bumpy, experience that I hadn’t foreseen. Before I arrived at school on any given morning, I had already made breakfast for my son, dressed him, walked with him to daycare, rode a bus for 20 minutes, and walked 10 minutes to get to class.     I had studied Italian language for a year prior to my travels, and hoped to learn more and practice my language daily. Additionally, my wife is fluent and has taught Italian on the college level. Studying intermediate Italian in Florence proved to be a double edged sword. The Florentine dialect and accent are considered to be the “proper” and “intellectual” way of speaking Italian, so having this exposure was a benefit. However, Florence is so heavily visited by tourists, that most Italians there speak English, and when they hear Italian spoken by foreigners, with the types of errors common to the novice speaker, most would respond in English. This proved difficult in practicing language skills in my everyday life, sometimes I even found myself avoiding conversations.     After several weeks, as my daily schedule became fixed, I realized that my course work and my family were the most important focal points of my life. I had previously only been in Italy against the backdrop of a vacation, now I was there as a working father. Although familiar, the feelings of fatigue, stress, and a need for “down time” sometimes precluded plans of recreation and socializing.     While in Florence, I had several goals and ideas for the focus of my studies. My major concentration of Art History compelled me to visit as many museums as possible, and see with my own eyes all of the works I had previously studied. Also, the opportunity to see historical frescoes in situ, not in a museum, but rather in the grandiose and immersive environment of gothic churches, added new potency to their religious themes. Further, in the course The Built Environment of Florence, I gained a new appreciation for not only the architecture, but of Florence in general. I was also fascinated by the depth and breadth of Brunelleschi’s revolutionary work. Considered the first architect, his work blends the accomplishments of ancients like Euclid and Vitruvius, with a rising rationalism, artistry, and humanism that was afoot in early fifteenth century Italy. This research helped me to realize that my future studies should include a deeper study of Brunelleschi, as well as architecture in general. Further, in my class The Quarters of Florence, I learned of the division of the old city into a system of districts and neighborhoods, which lent more context to each work of art and architecture and how it integrates into its specific environs and the city as a whole. As my professor Marcello Bellini put it, most museums in Europe have “cherry picked” the best art, while ninety percent of the Uffizi’s collection consists of art made by Florentines, for Florentines. You can look at a painting, and then go to the window and point to the church or palazzo where it came from. This has reminded me that works of art in museums, don’t just stand alone in a sterile environment. Regarding patronage of an artwork, the who, where, and why are questions that must always be asked, and in Florence, the answers are never very far away.     From my study abroad experience I learned many worthwhile things. It was an experience that I would certainly recommend to others. I now have a broader cultural awareness, and also a deep sense of humility, which translates into a more thoughtful approach to my work. Prior to my semester, I had studied quite a bit about the renaissance, and specifically Italian art, which now seems like a drop in the bucket compared to that which I was able to personally witness. My curiosities have been enlivened, and my road ahead to graduate school has become more clear.     I remember hearing a speech given by John F. Kennedy, where he challenged Americans to go to the moon; He said that we, as a people, should attempt these difficult tasks “...not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills…” This sentiment can partially sum up my experience, in that the challenges that are the most demanding of us often prove to be the most fruitful. Frankly, I think that I learned more outside of class, specifically about goal setting, expectation management, and how my own mindset drives my ability to endure frustrations and also celebrate success. Given all these invaluable life lessons, the semester of credits could almost seem like an afterthought.     To someone who was considering a similar program I would say to familiarize yourself with the city as much as possible before arriving, so you aren’t a complete novice. Even the most basic language skill will serve you well, prepare accordingly with a dictionary, a program like Rosetta Stone, and a language class. If you are going to travel, or do extra activities, do most of them early in the semester; The last month will be spent writing papers, reading, studying for finals, etc. Manage your expectations: not everything will be simple, easy, or cut and dried, often it’s the opposite. You will be doing so many new and exciting things that your grades may slip a bit, so make time for your studies. Use whatever resources are offered by the school. Remember that it took years for you to learn your own native language, as well as social cues and norms; Don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t communicate flawlessly. You will be sad, angry, disheartened, homesick, and frustrated at one time or another; just remember that it will pass. Realize that the rewards will keep coming, even after you get back home.Try not to take anything too seriously, and enjoy yourself!     My experience living and studying abroad was an honor for me. I gained so much, personally and professionally, and I am imbued with sense of personal accomplishment as well as appreciation. As I reacquaint myself with American life, I am thankful to be back, yet my ideas and awareness are continuously shaped by my participation in another culture and way of life. This valuable undertaking will undoubtedly continue to enrich my work for years to come, and for this I am filled with gratitude.