Michigan to Italy: Gianna’s pre-departure reflections

I’ve always felt a connection to Italy. My dad’s side of the family is completely Italian, so I was exposed to some of that Italian energy and way of life at a very young age. That connection grew even stronger in 2022 when I studied abroad in Italy during college. My classmates and I only spent three weeks there, but it was enough for me to fall completely in love with the country. As soon as I returned home, I longed to go back; I never thought I would return so soon, but here we are.

I grew up in Michigan, United States, and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in graphic design and marketing in April 2025. While I loved the time I spent in my college program, I realized (perhaps a little too late) that my passions had shifted, and I was no longer sure what I wanted to do next. Most of my friends either started graduate school or found a job in their field after graduation; they had a clear idea of what their next step would be. I felt the exact opposite: lost, unsure of what the right path was for me, and, if I’m being honest, disheartened. 

As the summer sped by, I spent a lot of time reflecting and trying to figure out what my options could be. I remember lying on my couch during the final month of my apartment lease, just before moving back to my hometown, letting my mind wander through various possibilities. One memory my mind kept returning to was my study abroad trip, and I couldn’t help but think: How can I get back to Italy?

It was the first idea I’d had that in a while that sparked true excitement. After some frantic Google searches, I came across Italianforawhile, and my journey back to Italy suddenly began. Months of research, meetings, planning, and budgeting all led me to where I am now: just a few weeks away from departing for my gap year in Italy (or gap six months, in my case). I’ve chosen to spend five months in Rome and one month in Milan to make the most of my time and to experience regions different from my first trip. 

The preparation process has been a whirlwind. I have felt every emotion under the sun: fear that this choice is somehow irresponsible and I should be getting a job; fulfillment from knowing I’m trying something that feels right for me; sadness that I won’t see my friends for six months; relief that I can delay joining corporate America a little while longer. You name it, I’ve felt it. The most peculiar feeling, though, has been being in between chapters of my life; I’m experiencing a series of small transitional moments that all carry weight because they’re leading up to one big change. Even something as simple as crossing an item off my to-do list reminds me that I’m one step closer to the adventure I’ve been waiting for. Bigger moments, like my friends throwing me a farewell party or my study visa arriving in the mail, make the upcoming chapter shift feel especially real.

Planning for a chapter as big as this has been both nerve-racking and exciting, especially since this will be my first long-term solo experience abroad. Alongside those emotions, I’ve also felt an unexpected sense of calm. I know there’s a lot I’ll have to figure out once I arrive in Rome, and that things won’t always go according to plan. But acknowledging that ahead of time has actually helped me relax; I just need to be open to adapting, learning, and trusting myself.

Goal-setting has also helped me prepare for this big change. Of course, I’m excited to learn Italian, and I hope that by the end of my six months, I’ll be able to hold a simple conversation in Italian without overthinking every word. Furthermore, I’m hoping to visit as many Italian regions as possible and reconnect with my Italian heritage. On a more personal level, though, one of my main goals is to simply learn more about myself and what I might want for my next chapter. At just 22 years old, there’s still so much left to discover about myself, and I can’t think of a better place than Italy to take the time to do that. 

Waiting for this next chapter feels much more exciting than jumping straight into a job would have been for me right now, honestly. So many people I know settle into long-term positions immediately after graduation, and while that path may work well for them, I’m grateful I’m giving myself the chance to try something different before getting locked into what’s “typical.” If there’s one thing I hope others in a similar position take away from my experience, it’s that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right after college. It’s okay to choose a path that looks different from everyone else’s. 

As I take in the final moments of preparation for this next chapter, I am filled with anticipation, hope, and gratitude. It’s not lost on me how incredibly lucky I am to be able to do this at all. This experience is a privilege, and I don’t take for granted the support from friends and family and resources that have made it possible for me to pursue something like this. Italy represents more than just a destination to me; it’s a chance to take the time and space to grow, gain new experiences, and better understand who I am and what I want to do next. I don’t know exactly what experiences I’ll have over the next six months, but I do know that they will be life-changing. See you soon, Italy!