“Gabriella Romero, author of our traveling column, Going Global with Gab, got hold of one of our students abroad in Florence. Check it out below and meet, Brigie Sabine!”
Name: Brigid Sabine
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: Auburn, New York
Graduation Year: 2018
Her Campus (HC): So, Brigie, where are you studying abroad this semester?
Brigid Sabine (BS): Florence, Italy. It’s a smaller city north of Rome. It’s considered the heart of Tuscany and the art world!
HC: What inspired you to pack your bags and ditch Marywood for a bit?
BS: I’ve wanted to study abroad for as long as I can remember. I heard about SACI my freshman year and when the opportunity came around, I jumped on it right away- I’ve found that spontaneous decisions often lead to the best adventures.
HC: What school are you attending and how do you like it so far?
BS: I’m attending SACI, which stands for Studio Arts College International. It’s small compared to several other art schools in Florence, which I like because it allows for more individual attention and feedback from professors. It’s pretty similar to Marywood in that way. Classes are great and our field trips have allowed us access to viewing some of the most gorgeous parts of Florence.
HC: What’s your favorite class?
BS: My favorite class would have to be Advanced Graphic Design. My professor is a local Florentine and an absolute genius, I can’t say enough good things about her. We’re currently designing for two local museums, Bargello Musei and Galleria dell’Accademia and it’s very hands-on. I’ve learned how to approach and solve a problem the way I would in the working world.
HC: What is your most memorable experience in Florence so far?
BS: Where to start… there have been countless amazing memories, but I loved showing my family around when they came to visit. I was so proud to show them my home for the past four months and introduce them to a new culture, language, and of course the amazing food! Also, my first time at Piazzale Michelangelo was very special to me. It’s a lookout over the entire city and people climb up there, open a bottle of wine, and watch the sun set over the Tuscan hills. There’s usually live music too, it’s incredible.
HC: Have you done any traveling to other European cities/countries while overseas? If so, where?
BS: Yes! In Italy, I’ve been to Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Milan, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Rome, Assisi, Bologna – okay, so basically most of Italy, but there are still so many more amazing cities here that I’d love to visit. Outside of Italy I have been to Paris and Barcelona, and in a week or two I’ll be in Croatia. I’d like to see the Scottish highlands and the Greek islands, but I’m on a bit of a time crunch!
HC: Do you have any words of wisdom for students considering studying abroad in their future?
BS: Don’t think twice. Not only will it give you memories and rich experiences to last a lifetime, but it forever connects you to a place and a culture that you can consider, in a sense, a second home. You’ll also grow and change in ways you wouldn’t believe, and learn a lot about yourself in the process. It’s truly empowering being on your own in a new city, navigating your way around and assimilating into a different culture. It makes you a lot more independent and assertive.
HC: Do you have a special travel quote you feel most accurately represents your love of adventure?
BS: “I travel because I need to. Because my wild, adventurous spirit can’t live according to the ‘norm’. I travel to regroup, to reinvent myself, to be the best me I can be, to find joy in the ordinary and peace in exploring.” This really stuck with me. It’s so important to do more than just exist, and adventure not only allows you to see new places but helps you to find yourself, reflect, determine what you want out of life, create bonds and relationships with people, and change any closed-minded perceptions you may have once had. You grow up a lot. You learn to trust your gut, make decisions on a whim, and build off of mistakes. It’s the best teacher you’ll ever have.
HC: What’s the one thing you miss most about home?
BS: I miss my family and friends, and certain conveniences that we take for granted back home (like dryers and better heat in the winter). I can’t wait to see everyone and spend time catching up!
HC: Penne or linguini?
BS: I’d have to say penne. It’s my go-to pasta here, but I also discovered tagliatelle, which is a really thick, flat noodle similar to linguini, and I love to get that with clams!
HC: Tomato sauce or vodka sauce?
BS: Vodka sauce, although I’ve found that’s not really a thing in Italy. Also, bolognese sauce in its place of origin, Bologna, is to die for.
HC: Lastly, what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time abroad?
BS: That you should do something that scares you everyday. Get lost, leave your comfort zone, go off the beaten path. Try learning a new language, and try using it. Don’t plan everything out all the time. You’ll mess up sometimes, and that’s okay! It’s just so important to really live and live well.