Travelling with Global Summers Academy taught me lessons that reached far beyond the classroom. During the three and a half weeks I spent in Italy earning my Grade 11 Photography credit, I explored new cities, studied on the go, met amazing people, and grew as a person in ways I did not even notice until I came home.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was independence. Being in another country without my family pushed me to take responsibility for myself. I had to manage my time, keep track of my belongings, and make decisions everyday big and small. From navigating the metro stations to budgeting for souvenirs, each moment taught me how to think ahead and stay calm when things did not go as planned. That independence became empowering. I realized that I could rely on myself, adapt to new situations, and still enjoy every moment while doing it.
The value of finding a balance between work and play, and adventure and education, was another lesson I learned. Although the photography course was well organized, it never had the feel of a normal classroom. Each task had a clear connection with the locations we visited. From the busy streets of Rome and Florence to the Sardinian beaches, we stood and studied composition. From this experience, I learned that experiential learning has the greatest impact. I started to realize that education can take place anywhere if you are interested enough to watch, learn, and be curious. It is not limited to a desk.
My time in Italy allowed me to deepen my understanding of culture and connection. My appreciation for diversity grew through interacting with locals, learning some Italian phrases, and observing the differences in day-to-day life. It helped me realize that despite differences in language and distance, we are all connected. Sharing meals, looking at art, and simply observing others made it clear to me that culture is something you feel and experience, rather than just read about. Through this awareness, my perspective on my own community has evolved, where I now approach new people and ideas with greater respect and openness.
Creatively, the program changed how I see the world through my camera. Before Italy, photography was mostly about getting a good shot. After GSA, I see it as a form of storytelling. The program encouraged me to capture emotion, movement, and atmosphere, and to look beyond what is obvious. Italy’s beauty taught me to slow down and notice the small details. Photography became more meaningful, and I learned to express how I felt, not just what I saw.
Most of all, traveling with GSA taught me how transformative new experiences can be. Stepping out of my comfort zone in a different country made me more confident, independent, and aware of the world’s possibilities. It reminded me that growth happens when you take the leap, meet new people, and let yourself be curious. Italy was the classroom; photography was the subject-but the real lesson was how to live and learn with an open mind. I came home not only with a lifetime of memories, but with a better understanding of who I am and who I want to become.
Thank you to Student Ambassador Lorelai L. for writing this blog!
