Blog 2

By: Maddie Stackow

And so it begins! It’s finally summer time and I am anxiously anticipating my departure for Florence, Italy! This time last year I was preparing for Summer B as a freshman at Florida State University. I knew practically no one and I was hyperfixated on dorm decor, new clothes, and preparing to move to…Tallahassee. How fun. Now, less than a year later, I am just about a month away from leaving for my 6 week Italian summer and study abroad experience! Man how time flies. I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but if you were to tell me one year ago that I would be embarking on a 6 week Florentine adventure with some of my best friends AND pursuing independent undergraduate research, I would have laughed in your face!

As I scroll Instagram, my feed is bombarded with fellow peers and friends already abroad, perhaps participating in the Summer A cohort or beginning their 12 week Summer C session. Just from instagram posts and stories, I have already gained a sneak peek of not only what to expect for my time abroad, but of the culture and vibe of Italy. Likewise, my phone must be listening to me as my Tik Tok For You Page is filled with Florence specific study abroad advice, tips, recommendations, and more. This makes me even more excited to land in Florence and to create an experience of my own. 

This brings me into what I need to do to shape my experience. I won’t lie, I am a little nervous to go against my structured routine for 6 weeks, but if I don’t step outside of my comfort zone, I could miss so much. As a psychology student, it is especially important for me to push myself beyond familiar environments and to peek into what life is like for other people of different cultures. It’s hard to pick just three things I want to try. Beyond sightseeing and trying new cuisines, I want to really explore all different parts of Italy. 

First, I want to participate in traditions unique to Italian student life and learn how social connection is fostered within university communities. For example, I hope to experience the strong social culture surrounding Italian student life — such as gathering in piazzas after class, spending long evenings talking over dinner, or participating in local festivals and community events with other students. Unlike the fast-paced and highly scheduled environment common at American universities, Italian university culture often emphasizes relationship-building, conversation, and shared experiences. By participating in these traditions, I hope to better understand how social connection and community support contribute to overall well-being and mental health. Additionally, when it’s time to come back to Florida State, I will have many more connections than what I left for summer with. 

One thing about me is I am the type of person that has to have a busy body in order to have a quiet mind. So, with that said, the second thing I want to try this summer is slowing down and embracing a different pace of life, especially surrounding meals, relationships, and work-life balance. During the school year, or even these first few weeks of summer, I find myself with structured schedules. If you were to open my calendar app, you would likely feel overwhelmed by the countless pink, color-coordinated blocks that carefully organize every part of my day — even down to scheduling when I blow dry my hair. I want to work on leaving my calendar open, and not being hyperfocused on what I am doing every second of the day. I won’t lie, I’ll probably pick this routine back up the day I return from Florence, but while I have the opportunity to live differently for 6 weeks, I want to take advantage of it. 

Similar to my second goal, a third thing I want to try is navigating Florence primarily by walking and public transportation in order to better experience daily life as a local student. While this may seem simple, I think we often take transportation for granted by sitting in cars, looking at our phones, and missing what is around us. Walking throughout the city will allow me to be more present and aware of my surroundings, while public transportation will give me insight into the everyday routines and culture of the community. Since life in Italy differs from what I am used to in the United States, I want to fully embrace the opportunity to slow down and experience it more intentionally.

Ultimately, these three goals not only support my personal growth, but also strengthen my Global Scholars project by allowing me to experience Italian culture in a more intentional and immersive way. Through building connections, slowing down, and becoming more present in everyday life, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how community, lifestyle, and cultural values influence overall well-being and mental health. More importantly, I hope these experiences will help me return to Florida State University with a broader perspective, greater adaptability, and a stronger appreciation for the ways culture shapes daily life.

One skill I hope to strengthen this summer is my ability to develop and organize research materials for a professional project. As part of my Florida State University Global Scholars experience, I will prepare interview questions, organize participant responses, and connect findings to broader themes surrounding mental health and university support systems. This professional skill requires organization, attention to detail, and clear communication. Contributing to a cross-cultural project in Florence will provide valuable experience for future research opportunities, graduate school, and my long-term goal of working in clinical psychology.

A second skill I hope to strengthen is my interpersonal and clinical communication skills. Throughout the summer, I will speak with clinicians, university staff, and others involved in student mental health support systems. These conversations will allow me to practice active listening, professionalism, and communicating effectively with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Strong communication is essential in clinical settings, and I believe this experience will help me become more confident and effective in my future career as a clinical psychologist.

One song that comes to mind is “ We Are the People” by Empire of the Sun. Both adventurous and reflective, which is how I see this experience. My Global Scholars project is giving me the opportunity to step outside of my normal environment, learn from another culture, and meet people with different perspectives. The song reminds me that some experiences change the way you see the world — and yourself — even after they’re over.

There is a lot ahead of me, but for now, I will continue to craft my interview questions and prepare to embark on this journey!