As I begin this first blog post, I write to you from Newark Airport in New Jersey. The rain from Hurricane Henri, which barely missed New Jersey, is pouring down on the tarmac as I sit with my carry-on luggage, anxiously waiting to board my flight. With no knowledge of the place I will be in a matter of hours, all I can do is reflect on what my hopes are for my journey.
I will be living in Milan, Italy for the next four months, studying one of my majors that I am quite passionate about: fashion. This past year, I had the privilege of working closely with the KRNL staff on photoshoot content, from styling to creating fruit jewelry for the spring issue’s Fruit Shoot. While I am deeply saddened to be missing the Fall 2021 issue of KRNL, I look forward to writing for the magazine while gathering fashion knowledge to employ for the Spring 2022 issue. As I currently sit at gate C132, I try to mentally prepare for what tomorrow will look like.
Many people have asked me how I am feeling now that today has finally come. The truth is, I don't know how to feel when I don't even know what to expect. I would say I am curious to see what amazing friends and people I meet during my travels. I am emotionally drained from saying goodbye to my amazing support system in America. I am nervous to be in a country I’ve never been to, where I know no one and barely speak the language. I am eager to expand my brain and become inspired by the fashion industry and my future career. Most of all, however, I am excited to see the ways in which this journey changes me as an individual.
In an attempt to reign in my constantly swirling thoughts, I decided to make a bucket list to complete over the next few months. What I came up with consists of the following:
Learn to cook a few traditional Italian meals
Familiarize myself with my temporary home and language
Absorb any and all information about fashion and styling
Take risks in meeting new people and putting myself out there
Expand my wardrobe!
Explore other areas in Europe (Paris, London and Switzerland are musts)
Live in the moment and embrace the uncertainty of it all
As someone who is partially Italian, I cannot wait for the immersive experience that awaits me. I hope that with this column, I can give you all a look into my new Milan lifestyle. For now, ciao!