Why you might ask? Well, you’re reading my introduction, so effectively, you’re meeting me! Oh hi there, nice to meet you! I’m Ethan, and well…here I am, embarking on the biggest adventure of my 22 years, headed to Florence for part of the summer to soak up all there is to enjoy about Italy and do my best not to be too American-y. Intern in Florence Italy

My biggest challenge? No, not my bank account going downhill like an Olympic skier, not the cultural differences that can’t wait to slap me in the face and leave me calling home crying, not even the fact that I’m going to be thousands of miles away from one of the most important things in my life: my family.  As of right now, my biggest Italian adventure related challenge is introducing myself to you.

Sure there are about a billion study abroad concerns and questions: Where am I going to stay this night? What’s for lunch that day? How far is it from Florence to Padua? Will my Netflix work? But right now, they’re all replaced with: Man, I don’t want to come across all high-and-mighty, but I don’t want to sound like I know nothing! I want to describe myself, but I don’t want to brag…Holy crap, is that really all I know about myself? Geez, I hope this isn’t boring…

So I guess we should just start with the basics, and if I don’t scare you off then hopefully I’ll get to see you again? (Breathe, just breathe Ethan, you got them this far, they’re still reading…) I am from an admittedly boring, tiny town in Eastern Washington, surrounded by farms, but it’s where I grew up and I love it! I am blessed to a very unique and loving family, comprised of two sets of awesome parents, five brothers and two sisters. I also have, hands down, the best, prettiest girlfriend in the world. And okay, so forgive me, I lied, but being away from them is going to be the hardest part of this Italian adventure.

Gonzaga in FlorenceAs I start my time abroad, I will be doing so a recent college graduate! On May 12th, I graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington with a Public Relations degree and a minor in Advertising. Then on May 14th, I flew out of Seattle, Washington to Florence! What an awesome graduation gift right?

While in Florence, I’ll be studying for 7 weeks at the Gonzaga In Florence campus, taking two courses to further enrich my learning (and meet the requirements of the scholarship that allowed me to go on this amazing trip), while living la dolce vita and writing cool articles for StudentsVille!

Ever since visiting Florence as a sophomore in high school, I knew I wanted to come back and spend some quality time in this magnificent city.  I was fortunate to earn a scholarship from Gonzaga to study abroad and BAM! Dream come true! I may only be here for a short time, but it is going to be unforgettable. AND I’m going to share it all with you! Check back for new blog posts, you won’t be disappointed, I guarantee it!

Ciao!
– Ethan

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