Texts by By Olivia Hagen
Photo essay by Ashley Sterling
The courage to work up a phrase in another language can be unexpected rewarding, as Olivia Hagen discovers on a sunny day in Piazza Santa Croce. Set to the background of Ashley Sterling’s “Humans of Florence” photo essay, this piece is bound to make you reflect on how we can turn cultural barriers into rich discoveries.
For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with stepping out my comfort zone. Thus, part of the reason why I chose to study abroad was to force myself to try new things, reach new limits, explore the world and meet new people. Although it was not easy, once I broke the barriers that were holding me back, I found myself and an endearing friend.
As I walked home from my Travel Writing course, sweaty from the scorching Tuscan sun, I decided to visit my favorite gelateria and grab myself a refreshing cup of pistachio. Clenching the cold sweet in my hand, I stumbled through the Florentine streets feeling disoriented, watching flashes of people rush by me. Walking through the streets, I began to miss the sense of “belongingness” I had at home, longing for the embrace and comfort of my friends and family.
Feeling homesick and lonely, I walked over to the Santa Croce Basilica. Just then, a young girl sat next to me and began writing in a tattered leather journal; she had dark black hair. I watched her as she observed her surroundings, scribbled in her notebook, smiled to herself and repeated. I wanted to talk to her and introduce myself, but I was too nervous. Then, I was reminded that before I came to Florence I was going to step out of my comfort zone…and I did.
“Ciao! … Come va?” I attempted to communicate in Italian. She looked at me with large eyes and a half smile. Oh no, I thought, thinking I still had gelato on my face or that she simply thought I was crazy. There was a long pause and then she burst into laughter. “I’m sorry!” I responded, “I don’t speak Italian very well.” “It’s fine,” she giggled. “I’m Sara, nice to meet you!”
Once I broke the ice with my useless Italian, Sara and I began conversing. I learned that she was 27, lives in Florence and is studying to be a school teacher like myself. When questioned about her journal, Sara informed me that even though she has lived in Florence all of her life, there is always something that inspires her to write, which makes her fall in love with Florence all over again. Minutes soon turned into hours as Sara and I talked, unable to catch our breaths, sharing our love for travel writing, early childhood education, and the same pistachio gelato flavor. I was shocked to discover how similar Sara and I were, despite the fact we live on two opposite sides of the world.
Meeting Sara and breaking the barriers has been one of the best decisions I have made during my journey abroad. Not only have I developed a precious friendship, but I gained a stronger appreciation of the world and the people in it. Although Sara and I live very different cultures, the unique connection that we shared will be carried with me when I leave the place I am now confident in calling my second home.
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