Submitted by Nicholas Davis on the 2024 Winter English and Finance program in Italy…
Coming up on my last night in Italy, I remember all the great memories I made, the delicious foods I tasted, and the beautiful sights I saw. Out of all these things, the memory most engraved in my mind is making it to the top of Monte Grappa in Paderno. Just 15 minutes outside of my campus and an hour and a half bus ride up the mountain with sharp cutbacks and breathtaking views, this piece of land stands tall at 6000 feet elevation. It was a perfect trip to take with only 3 days left in the program. Getting to the top, none of us were sure what to expect, but it became clearer as soon as we snowcapped tips and valleys sunken further than I could’ve ever imagined. For anyone who fears heights, this is the last thing you’d ever want to do. Many people on the bus fell asleep because they were too nauseous to look down. Meanwhile, I was taking it all in with everything Italy had to offer me in the total of those 3 hours on the bus. Once we reached the top, everything was a sheet of ice. A good amount of us slipped and fell, and as embarrassed as I am to admit, I did too. Looking down at all the sights afar, I reflect on this entire trip and how sad I am that it’s over, but how appreciative I am that it happened. What better place to have these thoughts, am I right? I feel like this climb signified all of the obstacles in my life I’ve had to overcome and how they’ve shaped me as a person. Just like getting to the top of the mountain, my outlook on life has changed forever. I struggle with saying goodbyes, but this one is so much sweeter after getting the most memorable experience. Italy will forever have my heart, especially Monte Grappa. Arrivederci!
(Submitted January 31, 2024)
