Submitted by Iva Grant on the 2019 summer session program in Italy sponsored by the School of Nursing…
Coming to the end of our study abroad trip to Florence, Italy, I took my time on this program to do much needed self reflection and realizing what I want to do and achieve in my life. I am grateful to have been accepted into this program at the University of Delaware and to be in Italy today. One thing I believe helped me find my inner nurse is to slow down, take a breath and remain calm. I say this because at home and before coming to a country where the way of life is much slower paced than what I am used to, forced me to understand not everything needs to taken care of right now or even givem my attention to. I have also learned to remember the joy I used to have while cooking and making a meal for people to enjoy! When the college semester started I never packed lunch or ate healthy, it was always Chick- fil-A, McDonalds, or just not preparing a home cooked meal with fresh quality ingredients. So coming to terms with the fact that the food I am consuming will end my life if I do not make a change is making me make that change within myself. I am starting with me so I can cook for my family and friends to make my own traditions and community. I want to achieve so much in life and spending money on food that is not tasty, expensive and bad for my health is not what I should spend money on. I want to travel and explore, but I can not do that by sitting on the couch while eating food whenever I get bored. The change is coming.