As my sophomore spring semester comes to a close, it feels like there is this great big world ahead of me—full of opportunity, learning, and most importantly, fun. Traveling to Florence as a part of this global experience program is just the beginning of what is to come. I am excited not only to spend an entire month in a new, exciting city, but also to learn about the sustainability practices and art culture of the Renaissance. I am most excited to learn specifically about the medical advancements made during this time period, and, combined with the other aspects of engineering we will be highlighting, to start thinking about how I can apply these principles to my future engineering career. Engaging with different cultures and understanding their unique approaches compared to our own is crucial for engineers. It broadens our perspective on the issues at hand and helps us apply our knowledge effectively to help the most people possible. Overall, I am eager to learn as much as I can about everything I will see—the food, the people, the art, the technology—and most importantly, take the time to reflect on myself and my place in engineering.
Swanson School of Engineering 