WHAT'S ONE STORY OR IMPORTANT ASPECT YOU ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR TIME ABROAD?
When I'm asked about my experience, I love to rave about the city I was based in (Florence). But I also always talk about how well my roommates and I got along! We did not know each other going into the process, but ended up clicking right away and I can now consider them some of my best friends. We created amazing memories together and are still in touch after returning home. I think regardless of who you meet, it's important to spend some time alone on your journey. But I never expected to make the special kind of connection I did with my roommates.

HOW DID YOU ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WHILE ABROAD?
I tried to engage with the local community by simply getting out of my apartment and seizing every moment while abroad. I joined a gym right by my apartment and went grocery shopping at the same two places consistently, so I saw the same people over and over again there and enjoyed creating a routine. I also shopped through street vendors and weekly thrift markets when I could instead of big commercial brands. This gave me a better sense of the kinds of vintage garments people wore and understand the fashion climate. It also exposed me to some really cute handcrafted products, so I got a glimpse into the large community of artists and artisans.