Nicole Basile

One day as I was sitting in a cafe in the middle of Urbino, I came across a quote that truly resonates with my time here. It stated, “ let your smile be your logo, your personality be your business card, and how you leave others feeling after an experience with you be your trademark.” Naturally, I could go on for hours about the plethora of talents I developed while working on the Urbino NOW magazine project, including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc. Even though all of that has been helpful and will contribute to future employment, it still pales in comparison to the influence this town's atmosphere has had on me. I got wrapped up in such minor issues in America and felt like a robot going through the same thoughts and motions every day. However more than any class could ever teach me, going to Urbino has helped me to understand who I am. I've been looking for my passions and the essence of who I am as a person for almost 20 years. I can now state with certainty that I have discovered who I am as a young woman, all thanks to the people, place, and heart of Urbino. The phrase "how you leave others feeling after an experience with you be your trademark" is the element of the quote that truly resonates with me. This town has encouraged me to leave a positive imprint and lasting impression about myself to people, whether it be a mentor, a local restaurant owner, or even a random local roaming the streets. When people typically speak about studying abroad, they somehow always leave out the part where some of these people become family. I have made friends here that will always have a special place in my heart. Even though I've only been here for four weeks, I'm certain that this is an experience I'll never forget. Being a part of this program has given me the friendships, skills, memories, and happiness I have always dreamed of. Urbino, I'm grateful. I appreciate you giving me the extra push I needed to start loving life for what it is: to be genuinely happy.