Lucia in Milano: Into the Unknown

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!