Studying abroad has always been an interest of mine during college. I received an email about a scholarship to study abroad in Rome, Italy for a month during the summer. Italy was on my top 3 list of places I wanted to study abroad. This was a perfect opportunity and perfect timing. I am going into my junior year of college studying business management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. I applied for the scholarship with the attitude that whatever happens happens. I was thrilled when I found out I was a recipient of this generous scholarship.
Going to Italy never felt real to me until the week before. I slowly prepared by gathering fashionable clothes for my location, saving up money, and researching more about things to do while in Rome. Once it felt real, I became very anxious. I wasn’t sure if I fully packed and prepared to the extent I needed. I had a very overwhelming, traumatic spring semester at UA before going abroad. Going to Rome was the light at the end of the tunnel. The idea of going to a foreign country knowing no one and being whoever I wanted to be was super exciting. This was a gift given to me by the University I will forever be grateful for it. I am going into this experience with little expectations and an open mindset.
During my time abroad, I will be studying Global Fashion Marketing and Live Music and Festival Management. I was unsure what sort of field I wanted to go into with my management degree. When I saw live music concerts festival management was an option for me to take. This sparked my interest in going into that field of work. I would love to be able to be a part of the management side of the production putting on these events. I love concerts and music festivals. It is an atmosphere for people to escape their responsibilities and stress. It provides long-lasting memories and positive emotions. Being able to help give people these opportunities would give me a job with a purpose that means the world to me.
While in Europe I have several planned trips. My trips in Italy consist of Florence, Amalfi Coast, and Pisa. I am visiting Split, Croatia, and Barcelona, Spain. In Barcelona, I will be attending Primavera Sound. This will be my first-ever music festival and I get to see Disclosure, Lana Del Rey, Faye Webster, Troye Sivan, and Arca. I will also be able to attend my first-ever Boiler Room, which has been on my bucket list for a long time. I am so eager to immerse myself in everything Europe has to offer to me.
