Italy. Seven days.

Italy. Seven days. The only way to make it seem real is to say it aloud. And when I do, I can’t stop smiling! I will be in Italy in seven days! It is what I have been looking forward to for months, but it was not until I started writing this blog that the realization has finally hit. My name is Olivia. I’m a Cyclone who just completed my first year at Iowa State University and am double majoring in Supply Chain Management and Business Economics. I cannot wait to share with you my adventures, tips, advice and mistakes (because I know there will be plenty of those as well) when I am in Italy.

To begin, I have the type of personality that gets bored easily. I find myself making bucket lists and trying new things. I loved growing up in a tiny town in Iowa. There is something majestic about the peacefulness of open country.

However, I have been itching to travel. Instead of waking up to flat ground and corn fields, I will be arising to the view of Mount Grappa! Real mountains, not just the hills you see here or there in Iowa, but mountains!

How did I stumble upon studying abroad in such a scenic place? At an orientation, I happened to sit next to a CIMBA alumni, and from there fate continued to intervene. Only a few weeks later, I found out a classmate attended CIMBA last summer. Then, I discovered that a professor I was doing research with had taught a semester in Italy. As one of only three students from Iowa State attending CIMBA this summer, the odds of knowing three alumni was rare.

CIMBA was calling my name, and I was ready to answer.

Throughout the last few months, I have been applying to scholarships, purchasing travel supplies, and attending informational sessions. I’ve been reading blogs, planning itineraries, and mostly just smiling. If college has taught me one thing, it’s to take advantage of every single opportunity. Why wait until my sophomore or junior year when I can go now (in seven days to be precise)!

I have some fears such as traveling, the language barrier, and the mere fact that I’m traveling to a different continent and only know three people. But, I’m more excited than nervous. I am excited to meet the locals. I am excited to go to farmers markets. I am excited to travel to the castles and cathedrals. I am excited to live in Italy for an entire month.

Signing off for now. The next time you hear from me I will be in Paderno del Grappa Italy (only seven more days)!

Ciao,

Olivia