1. Introduction to My Exchange

My senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to live in a different country for a year. At that time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it would affect my life forever.

2. Italy Gave Me a Sense of Patriotism.

Before I went to Italy, I didn't have a strong sense of patriotism, this was normal life for me. But after hearing about how Southern Italians love America so much, and how they wished for our lives it made me respect my country more and appreciate what I have being a citizen.

3. Italians Knowledge of American Lifestyle

One of the things that surprised me is how much Italians do not know about life in America. When Italians think of the American life, they think of what they have seen in the movies. I could not help but laugh at how inaccurate that is.

They think of "The American Dream", where life is perfect where there are no struggles, but as Americans know that is far from the truth. When I mentioned anything like School Shootings or any sad thing they didn't believe me. I showed them the truth of America, it is not as glamorous as they pictured.

4. Italians Knowledge of the States.

From what I have learned every Italian knows about New York or California, but not much else. What was funny though is that their knowledge of Kansas consists of mainly: "The Wizard of Oz", and sometimes Kansas City. But because I am not from a popular state, they tried to get to know my city.

With my organization, Rotary, I was able to live in the Napoli (Naples) region for 10 months. I lived in Castellammare di Stabia (The castle of the sea), which was about 15 minutes from Sorrento.

The sea is something you do not get to see in Kansas. When I explained to my classmates what life without the sea was life, they said it must be boring, which is not wrong. I got to teach them a new state, and what I did for fun.

While they gave me my passion to help potential immigrants whether it be learning English, or to educate people about what life in America is really like.

5. Teaching Each Other Both Cultures

I learned from my year in Italy, that both lives are very different with similar characteristics.

I got to experience their culture, while I was teaching them about America. While they were teaching me that Italy is more than just pizza and pasta.

But I also felt like I never left home, because my host families treated me like their own daughter, and if anything was wrong the would do everything they could to make sure I was happy. I made some truly amazing relationships, with other exchange students, or with my Italian friends that I will cherish forever. I just had to find my Italian identity before finding my American identity.