What Italy Has Taught Me: Reflecting on my first five days with #CIMBAItaly

Five Things I've Learned in My First Five Days at CIMBA

1. People want to help!

One evening, my friends and I found ourselves at a crossroads while trying to find our way back to campus from dinner in a nearby town. We called every taxi we knew possible, tried to call Ubers, even started asking people leaving the restaurant if they could take us back to campus. The taxis were going to be about another hour of us waiting and were starting to feel stranded, after sitting there for almost three hours. We were weighing our options, and asked our waiter if he had any suggestions. He kindly offered to drive us back to campus almost immediately, and just said he had to wrap up a couple tables first. This situation highlighted the importance of communicating and asking for help because at the end of the day, people want to help. It helped me enhance my ability to evaluate options and communicate, an essential skill in any career.

2. Value in Uniqueness

While visiting a local pottery business, I encountered a scenario that underscored the value in uniqueness. Observing the artisans address production challenges to maintain the distinctive quality of their pottery, I realized the significance of embracing individuality in the creative process. Not every piece needs to conform to rigid standards; instead, there is beauty and worth in each piece being uniquely crafted. This experience honed my ability to appreciate and adapt to the diversity of perspectives and approaches, recognizing the importance of embracing uniqueness in both personal and professional endeavors. This principle of valuing uniqueness extends beyond pottery; it's evident in every person's individuality and in numerous scenarios where creativity and innovation flourish through embracing diversity.

3. Team Skills

In both casual activities like playing basketball on the campus courts and more formal endeavors like group projects, the significance of teamwork became abundantly clear. Engaging in basketball games, our team's success hinged on collaborative efforts—passing the ball, supporting each other, and eliminating selfishness. This cooperative spirit led to a win in both games, highlighting the power of teamwork in achieving shared objectives. Moreover, this collaborative ethos extended to academic settings. Participating in a group project for my global economics class provided further evidence of the importance of teamwork. Alongside my peers, we divided tasks and worked efficiently to prepare a presentation on the United Kingdom's economic system and political parties. Despite the time constraint, our cohesive teamwork enabled us to deliver a comprehensive presentation, showcasing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in meeting deadlines and achieving shared goals.

4. Go with the Flow

On my fourth day, I learned the importance of going with the flow. After a long morning of classes, a few "Cimbians" (as we like to call ourselves) and I decided to explore the nearby town of Asolo. We trekked up to the castle, hoping for a serene view. However, we were caught in an unexpected rain and hailstorm. Drenched and laughing, we made our way back to town, where we found ourselves in a local pizzeria playing the piano alongside other Cimbians and our professor, Molly Rapert. This experience taught me to embrace the unexpected and remain flexible in unpredictable situations, a crucial skill for any professional setting.

5. Living in the Moment

Amidst the excitement of planning weekend trips and exploring new adventures, I've realized the importance of cherishing the present moment. It's easy to get caught up in the anticipation of future excursions and the logistics of planning, but we mustn't overlook the everyday joys of our time here in Italy. Whether it's hitting the gym, shooting hoops on the basketball court, sharing lunch with classmates, or venturing to nearby towns, each moment offers an opportunity for enrichment and connection. Embracing the spontaneity of our daily experiences fosters a deeper appreciation for the richness of our surroundings and reminds us to savor every aspect of our journey in Italy.