I've only traveled to three countries in my life, India, Canada, and Jamaica, the latter of which I've only been to as an infant. I've only been to a few European countries, but only during layovers and while I was waiting for my connecting flight. I've always heard stories of my friends visiting the tiny yet historic continent over the summer and winter holidays and enjoying the rich culture and atmosphere available to them.

I wonder just what about Europe granted it its charm. Because of that, visiting Europe has always been a goal on my bucket list for the past few years, and I hoped that I could even study abroad there one day without burdening my parents with hefty costs.

I luckily stumbled upon a study abroad program offered by Stony Brook's Honors College, where I could spend three weeks in January in Florence while taking courses there that can fulfill my requirements for the honors program. Aside from the academic aspect of the program, I get to spend time in Italy, in Europe, and check off one more thing from my bucket list. I know it will be one of the biggest highlights of my undergraduate career at Stony Brook, and I can't wait to take advantage of all its opportunities.

Studying in the center of the Italian Renaissance is so exciting that I can't wait to go! I want to see the sculpture of David, take a tour of the famous bell tower, and hopefully absorb the panoramic view of Florence provided. It is a city that only gets more famous and beautiful with age, and despite modern technology being ever-so pervasive, the city still retains the old charm that makes it uniquely Florence.

I won't just be staying in Florence. I will be going on excursions throughout Italy, including touring the lush countryside of Tuscany, which is absolutely breathtaking. Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without posing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, so that is another trip I'm looking forward to. I sincerely hope that I can take one of the extremely fast European bullet trains that move at least 200+ miles per hour, given my huge love of public transit.

Going to Florence encourages me to learn Italian, as well! I am semi-fluent in Spanish, so I hope that the learning curve is going to be reduced given the similarities in lexicon and syntax. Furthermore, the Florentine dialect of Italian formed the basis of modern Italian, which means that I can better communicate with more Italians!

If you didn't think I'd mention eating authentic Italian cuisine, think again. Italian food is one of the best offered, with its rich flavor and food choices. I've grown up eating New York-style pizza, and I want to try authentic Florentine pizza. My mouth waters at the thought of eating rich gelato and fresh pastas.

Italy, I'm coming for you, and I promise I won't keep you waiting for long. I'm quite grateful that I may be able to study abroad at least once in my life, and I intend to make the most out of every femtosecond.