Studying abroad in Florence this summer is an opportunity I’m really excited about as I finish my undergraduate studies and prepare for the next chapter of my education. Through my majors in Advertising and Public Relations and Sports Media and Communications, along with minors in Criminal Justice, Victimology, and Business Law, I’ve seen how closely culture, history, and social systems are tied to the way laws and institutions function. Being able to experience another country firsthand feels like a meaningful way to deepen that understanding.

During these six weeks, I’m hoping to grow both academically and personally. Living and learning in a new environment will push me to think more critically, become more adaptable, and better understand perspectives outside of my own. Experiencing how another society approaches history, communication, and public institutions is something I can’t fully grasp from a classroom in the U.S., and that’s what makes this experience so valuable to me.

Studying in Florence will also challenge me to look beyond a U.S.-centered lens when engaging with academic material. Being in a city with such a rich legal, political, and cultural history will allow me to see how laws develop over time and how deeply they’re influenced by the societies they serve. I know these experiences will strengthen how I approach my current coursework and help prepare me for the intensity of law school ahead.

This program feels like a meaningful opportunity to grow as a student before fully committing to law school. Support for this experience would allow me to focus on learning, immersing myself in the culture, and gaining perspectives that will stay with me long after the six weeks in Florence are over.