I applied as a good opportunity to immerse myself further in the Italian culture while I'm studying abroad. I'm currently working on my second bachelor's degree, and never got the chance to study abroad before while I was working on my first bachelor's degree because I was too involved in extracurricular activities. I've also never traveled outside outside of North America before. As an older student who maybe has more 'life experience' than most traditional students, I wouldn't say I have a lot of world experience. Some time after finishing my first degree, I decided to quit my corporate job and join the military with the hopes of traveling and seeing the world. Unfortunately, I was injured and discharged before I could. Now as a Veteran student with a brain injury, I feel like I see the world differently. I never noticed before but almost everywhere I go there are bright lights, loud noises, and crowds of people that become very overwhelming all too quickly. Having a brain injury has forced me to slow down, focus on moments of silence and peace, and enjoying the simple things again that I once overlooked. I think in today's society a lot of people miss the quieter, simpler things because technology has trained us to always seek the newest, most exciting and flashiest thing. With Italy's rich history, I think it's the perfect setting to be able to focus on simpler things in life again and explore how culture has changed, and possibly how technology is affecting everything.

Major: Art Therapy