Our last full week was incredible, having to leave still feels so far away.  22 of us spent the weekend in a Tuscan Villa with the most incredible views. My goal for the last weekend was always to do something with everyone and this weekend exceeded expectations. There were certainly some moments of stress – having to find a way to get everyone nourished and then back into the city on Sunday – but we took those moments in stride and enjoyed every Italian minute with each other. Days were spent by the pool, soaking in what little sun there was as we tossed around a frisbee and a football. Nights were spent chaotically cooking as Billy Joel’s Vienna could be heard behind the voices of all the new friends I had made. It was truly a weekend to remember. Sunday, we went into Florence where I was able to try some gelato that came highly recommended from my dad – it didn’t disappoint – and see the duomo! The train ride home was spent wrapping up our papers and presentations before the fast-approaching deadline.

            I went into Florence on Tuesday for my company’s investor day where our business angels gather to hear pitches of some startups we select. It was mostly in Italian, but I still enjoyed seeing the culmination of the work that everyone had put in over the last few months. We celebrated by going to Aperitivo the following night back in Milan, where we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company before many of them started their summer travels. I will have to say goodbye to the rest of the team on Wednesday before I head off to Rome on Thursday to work out of our office there. I figured it would be nice to see Rome and I was able to switch my flight over at no additional cost.

            As we submitted our papers and presentations, we were all reminded of the sad reality that we really had to leave. These six weeks went by so quickly and I truly feel that I’ve developed my critical thinking in class. We covered relevant topics, but more importantly it reignited that inner fire. There is just something so rewarding about making a strong argument in a debate and convincing someone to change their perspective. I am truly grateful for my peer’s participation in class and for the hard work that my group put into our final project.  I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus!