Submitted by Courtney Mainwaring on the 2016 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Philosophy…
Throughout this past month in Italy, I have learned a couple things for which I am truly grateful.
Whether it be a plane, train, subway or bus, forms of transportation have always caused me anxiety. It could be attributed to a lack of control or even my dislike for small spaces. However, I find that the fears are mostly irrational and frankly, aggravating. They make each adventure less exciting and more stressful. On this program, however, traveling in this way has become an everyday necessity. Yes, it is true that we walk a lot (around 20,000 steps a day) but we also use the metro, bus and train. Through this exposure, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to face my fears. Thank you, study abroad, for allowing me to learn to cope with my fears (and sorry to my friends that had to deal with me at the beginning).
I also appreciate learning the value of spontaneity first hand. From the paragraph above, it is probably clear that I enjoy planning, schedules, organization, etc. However, this past month, I have been forced to roll with the punches. If it rained one day, we would have to make other plans. When the walking trails in Cinque Terre closed, we had to find a new way to travel from town to town (which turned out to be on a train – my favorite). One of the highlights of the program and examples of spontaneity was today. Last night, at midnight, my friends and I decided that we would go to Lake Como the next day at 7:00 am! The lake and surrounding towns were incredible. The day was worth the lack of organization and sleep. There is something to be said for blind exploration and no expectations. Below is a picture of Lake Como.