My Time in Italy

Sometimes taking a leap of faith—to Italy—is the best choice you can make in your life. At the beginning of 2022, I was at a crossroads as my Bachelor’s program was coming to an end, and I was not certain of my next steps. One of my Italian professors and my cousin in Italy both questioned my rush to apply for Master’s programs. They said, “Well, why don’t you just move to Italy for a bit?” After pondering their suggestion for a few days, I realized I could remain in Italy while applying for my dual citizenship via jure sanguinis. With that, the decision was made. About six months later, shortly after my 22nd birthday, I packed one giant suitcase and moved to Torino.
Making an indefinite, transatlantic move solo was a daunting prospect. Thankfully, I had family in the area whom I had grown up visiting, so I knew I would not be completely on my own. Before arriving, I was fortunate enough to find housing through a very kind woman who remains my landlady and friend two and a half years later. Then came my next challenge: navigating the complex system of Italian bureaucracy. One of Italy’s lesser-known claims to fame is its never-ending mazes of red tape. On multiple occasions, I found myself running across the city to address matters that could have been easily handled via email, but I digress. This became part of the “slow life” I would learn to accept—and even embrace. During this time, I joined an expats group on Facebook and found immense support from others navigating life and careers in Italy. Through this group, I made lifelong friendships that became invaluable as I adjusted to my new life. After a roller coaster nine-month process filled with waiting, unanswered questions, and more blind faith, I was formally recognized as an Italian citizen!
So, what next? While I was awaiting the decision on my citizenship, I began exploring the option of completing my Master’s in Italy rather than returning to the U.S. I applied and was accepted to the University of Torino, where I am currently in my final semester, hoping to graduate this November. Here, I have made more friends from across Italy and around the globe. They have become another integral part of my support system and have taught me so much in our short time together. Since I had studied Italian for eight years prior to my move, I committed myself to taking the C1 fluency exam—a goal I achieved thanks to my Italian teachers, friends, and my father, who began teaching me the language in our basement when I was preparing for my high school entrance exam. Now, it is time to write my thesis and make more choices about where my life will head, but this time my support system and dual citizenship opens a ton of unique opportunities that I would not have dreamed of pursuing had I not taken that leap of faith.
By no means has this journey been easy. There were times when I questioned whether I had made the right choice or wondered what my life would have looked like if I had stayed in the U.S. But one thing I never question is that my move to Italy was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I am so thankful to everyone who has helped to push me along the way. It really does take a village—una famiglia—and I am so fortunate to have found mine here.