Okay. First of all, no, I did not get my bachelor's degree from Italy. I was just lucky enough to be living in Italy while completing my undergraduate degree in International Affairs from Florida State. I worked as a program assistant for FSU’s study abroad program in Florence, Italy from January to August 2021. At the same time, I took my final few classes at FSU online, allowing me to graduate in July 2021. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. It allowed me to live in the heart of Florence while gaining international work experience and my degree.  

I lived in Italy for more than half of the three years of my undergraduate career. To pay tribute to the impact that Italy (its people, its culture, and its food) had on my experience, I took my graduation pictures around the country. I may not have walked across the stage to receive my degree, but I think walking through cities like Florence, Milan, Siena, and Venice make up for it. Grazie Italia! 

(Special Shoutout to the three euro graduation cap I found, and my friend Morgan for taking all these pictures!)