My study abroad experience in Milan has truly been life changing. Not in a million years would I have imagined that I would be able to learn so much in five short weeks about people, cultures, the arts and myself. Although there were many exhausting days were we walked over ten miles, I would not change a single thing.
When I first signed up for this class I honestly imagined that we would be mostly learning about fashion design. People always say that Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world so I only associated the word design with fashion. However, living in Italy for the past five weeks has completely changed my definition of what design is. Today, I define design as something that is more then just fashion, design is everywhere, it is in buildings, kitchens, lighting, chairs etc. While visiting Fabrica one of the graphic designers explained his take on the definition of design. He explained to us that in the United States design is mostly seen as fashion or graphic design, while in Europe design is mostly seen as product design.
Although I have learned so much about amazing designers, architects and artists while living in Milan, more than anything, I have learned the most about myself. I have learned that even though I am done with my bachelor’s degree I still have a great amount to learn and many places to explore. As I have mentioned in my previous blogs, one of the biggest lessons that I have learned while on this trip is that, although I have gotten these specific majors in school, I do not have to work in just one limited field. I can use my knowledge to add to many different fields. After visiting Studio FM and realizing my love for design thanks to these past five week, I have started to research different jobs that will allow me in incorporate my love for research, design and the Middle East.
Other lessons that I have learned while on this trip are that I can be incredibly patient and calm. I’ve learned that a missed or late train does not faze me. Before this trip, I never realized that I was the type of person that looked at the glass half full. I can do so much within a week and still have the energy and the thirst to want to learn more! I find it so amazing that this trip was able to put me outside of my comfort zone and help me realize little things about myself.