A study abroad in Florence, year in a pandemic
DUM SPRIO SPERO. LIVE WHILE I AM BREATHING. A study abroad year in Florence during the pandemic
When will life be normal again? This is the question of 2020. This is the new normal. There is no coming back. We all had plans to travel more, to work more, perhaps to study broad– to have more time. But all plans changed since the pandemic of COVID-19 hit the World. These uncertain times made me reflect on my own wants and needs. A year to study abroad in Florence. To learn Who I am and what I really desire from life. I realized that Earth is spinning and time is passing even when I am still at home. So everything I do matters. Dum spiro spero. Live while I am breathing.
Firstly, I remember the phone call with my mum. She was worried about a new virus that is spreading in China, but I was comforting her that it will not come to Europe, and I will be able to travel to Budapest in March. She was right as always. I did not travel to Budapest. Contrary, I traveled back to my hometown, as many others did. Frustrated with tears in my eyes, worrying what this new situation will mean for my future education. But I did not know that this would be the year I would study abroad, and with an interior design course in Florence– learn the most about life and my design career.
I DID NOT KNOW THAT THIS WOULD BE THE YEAR I WOULD STUDY ABROAD IN FLORNCE AND LEARN THE MOST ABOUT LIFE AND MY DESIGN CAREER
Secondly, the pandemic hit hard on my young life. There was no going to college every day. Not knowing when I could meet people again or travel again. Life became slow and silent. Every day was the same. But that is where I realized that every day matters. That college life is not always partying and fun, but spending time and focus on education, as the time to study abroad showed us. That I do not have to travel far to feel excited, but get to know my home again and again. Calmness is inspiring, and so is the beauty of silence. And so I studied slowly, even online, with a master interior design in Italy
I LEARNED ABOUT ART AND DESIGN. TO RETHINK IDEAS, TO CONNECT DEEPLY AND TO DESIGN MINDFULLY
It is not something to rush. It should be everlasting and deeply rooted in our identity. When nature designs it does so slowly. It takes time for a flower to bloom, it does not show its beauty immediately. So in this tranquility of home life, we are given time. Time to rethink ideas and connect deeply; to design mindfully, through people, nature and life.
Finally, the patient is saved. An uncertain year, I ‘ve had the opportunity to change my life and study abroad in Florence. Taking the interior design course at Florence Design School I’ve met amazing people, colleagues and professors from Florence and all around the World.
I have met amazing people, colleagues and professors from all around the World.
I live in the moment- here and everywhere, sharing cultures and ideas. My body is in the same place, but my mind traveled as far as Columbia, India, and America. Florence is not full of its usual tourists, but I admire it’s beauty in a peaceful experience that is mine.
IN THIS UNCERTAIN YEAR, I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY ABROAD AND CHANGE MY LIFE COMPLETELY
Will the World change? I hope, yes. We have been advised, and given time to rethink. To pause, to resist pushing the boundaries, but build togetherness in which we all fit. To have a better tomorrow, better design and a better life for all of us, here in Florence, and the world. That we can breathe. Deeply, Calmly. Together.
