I always knew the Italians were a proud people, and they have a right to be. The flag of green, white and red holds a rich and meaningful history.

just like America, countries can get so wrapped up in their own greatness that they become blind to other greatness. ​

Walking through the streets of Florence, I could feel the eyes on my back as if I was some oddity. When I went to Venice on Sunday, we stopped outside a restaurant to look at the menu before deciding whether or not to have lunch there. A gentleman in his elder years was sitting almost directly next to the large menu plastered on the outside wall would not stop looking at me. His mouth slightly agape. He looked me up and down through his thick glasses and probably diminishing vision, but I bet his thoughts were clear: A Black Person. 

I knew to expect some type of prejudice, being in a country where darker skin isn't predominant, but I wasn't actually prepared to experience it.

Coming from an older generation where people were not as accepting of other nationalities as younger people are today, it's the same in America.​ I believe this lack of understanding can be helped with time and education- only then will firmed attitudes start to bend and old-world prejudices will be diminished. 

When we went to the SAI school for a presentation on the tourism market in Italy, I was interested in the media industry. Most of the restaurants are small family owned establishments and don't use media agencies or freelancers to do their marketing.

I sensed an anti-American sentiment as far as hiring Americans to do work for Italian businesses. Personally, I think anytime there's an outside perspective to the typical run-of-the-mill-way of doing things, you ignite new ideas and deeper appreciation for others.

But we have a similar way of thinking in the U.S. The way America looks down on immigrants of Latino decent, for example, is on the same level as how Italians view people of color. We think that our home country is the smartest, strongest, and no one can tell us anything otherwise. It's a heedless, egotistic mindset that each and every country has.

As an underrepresented demographic in a foreign country, I can say that this is a hindrance for me and probably other minorities who want to explore international opportunities for employment, internships or even continued studies. It's hard to learn, work or live somewhere where you don't see people who look like you walking down the street.

That is why diversity is so important to me. 

​It was tough during the first half of my trip to adjust, but towards the last few days, I came to terms with things. This experience being abroad- even if just for short amount of time- opened my eyes to the various levels of diversity, comfortability, and social progressiveness of a different country. 

I understand why America is known as the melting pot, we really do have the most diverse blend of cultures as opposed to any other country in the world. I'm so glad to live in a place that is more accepting of minorities and when I travel, I'll know to be more aware of cultural norms of that country.