Ciao from Florence! My name is Olivia Hishon and I am a graduate student studying the field of Child Life which includes learning about development, stressors from hospitalization, family systems and how to assist with coping for hospitalized children. I chose this program because I knew I wanted to work with this population in the medical setting but wanted a career solely focused on improving the quality of care for patients and CofC offers unique opportunities such as this study abroad program! One of my goals is to find more local spots in Florence and challenge myself to become more immersed in genuine Italian culture. Since I am a grad student, we do field work with children in the Florence community centers and preschools which has been a unique challenge to build rapport with the language barrier. I am looking forward to learning more each day and soaking up every sight and sound of the Renaissance city! Research that I have done of course includes restaurants and local cuisine, the best sunset spot in town (Piazza Michaelangelo) and all of the differences that I needed to learn before coming abroad! Talk soon! 30