Italy: Grace Melstrand

Program: Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA), Summer

Major: English (Creative Writing Emphasis); Psychology

How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?

I’m someone from a very, very rural area, and I often felt out of place because of that with other students in my program, almost all of whom had been to other countries previously and had much more experience traveling. Also, I am from a lower-income area and it often felt as though I were surrounded by people (who were amazing people) but did not recognize the privilege it is to be able to travel. Traveling is something which I had thought was utterly impossible– from my life circumstances. I think I would just suggest to not be embarrassed about not having had the privilege to see the world, no matter how old you might be, and to just focus on how proud and lucky you are to be experiencing it currently.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

I think overall it was super incredible. I took a day trip to Vernazza and I would say it was the most memorable experience because I have never left the country before and I think seeing a place so beautiful really made me learn what it means to travel. I had previously thought traveling was going somewhere to see new sights and cultures– which it is, but I learned that traveling is also experiencing the way it completely changes you. I expected to see something incredible, such as the cliffside and sea from Vernazza, and take the experiences and emotions back with me, but instead I learned that these experiences rekindle a sense of childhood. I think it was the most memorable experience because seeing a place so beautiful and magical didn’t necessarily turn me into a different person, but reminded me that I still can perceive the world with a childlike magic and curiosity if I so choose, and that those parts of me are not lost.

A student sits on a small stool looking down at a painting with one hand holding a brush. In front of her are stone turrets with wrought iron gates. — This is me in my plein air painting class, painting from the Bardini gardens with the skyline of Florence in the distance.

It’s made me more fearless about on-site painting in public and I think I will continue to pursue that.

What is the moment you are most proud of?

I’ve never traveled before, and I am the first in my family to ever leave the country, so in all, I am incredibly proud of everything. I’m proud of my ability to figure out the logistics of certain things- like transportation, etc. I also think I am proud of the way that I adapted really well to Italian culture. I have Italian heritage so it was something that felt deeply important to me and I felt as though I was really accepted and a part of a community.

A group of students with their instructor in the middle smile at the camera. They are standing in front of a wall with paintings of all shapes and sizes behind them of different sites around Florence. — This is a photo of me, some classmates, and our painting professor in front of our student work show at the end of the semester.

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

I learned most importantly that I still can be amazed at the world around me. I also learned that I can leave my routines behind and take risks and adventures, which I have never done before. I think it taught me a lot about my own independence and reminded me of how important it is to follow and pursue the things which I have always dreamed of. Since neither me nor anyone in my family has ever left the country– nor have any concept what that might be like, as well as struggling financially, it would’ve been much easier to choose not to go, despite it being something that I dreamed of. However, I think it taught me that sometimes it is okay to prioritize these life experiences over work and other commitments, and how important it is to test yourself sometimes and enjoy things.

What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?

I think the logistics of flying was the most challenging part. Otherwise, I feel as though I planned ahead sufficiently and didn’t experience many challenges. I think another challenge might’ve been the transportation, the rail system can be pretty confusing to figure out. But again, stay calm and don’t be afraid to ask people for help, especially if it’s someone you’ll never see again– better to get help than feel embarrassed.

A student wearing a white dress looks over her shoulder. She is standing in the shade next to a large tree with a red building behind her that is lit by sunset. — This is a photo of me at the site that the program used for their welcome night. It was a really beautiful venue in Florence and I think this photo shows how there is such rich inspiration for art everywhere.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?

I definitely think that I will continue to pursue the plein air painting style that I learned while in Italy. It wasn’t something I’d ever practiced before, but I think Italy is really accepting and encouraging of artists. Unlike in America, where saying you’re studying art can be kind of embarrassing, it’s really respected to say that in Italy– people get really excited about it. It’s made me more fearless about on-site painting in public and I think I will continue to pursue that.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

I think this experience has changed my life in more ways than I can express. It has greatly impacted me as an artist, as I’ve learned that I can adjust to new painting styles, which will continue to help my career and dreams of pursuing art. I also think this experience has prepared me for uncertainty and has really helped grow my own confidence.