Beyond the Comfort Zone: Abby’s Experience Between Finance, Sustainable Fashion, and Community

Arriving in a new city often means stepping outside familiar routines to embrace new possibilities. For Abby, a finance student from Boston, this transformation took shape in Milan. Through her study abroad semester and internship at Spazio 3R, she discovered a different way of living, working, and growing, where creativity and community intertwine with intention.

From Boston to Milan: Choosing to Challenge Herself

“I came to Milan for a semester abroad,” Abby explains. “I was looking for a city with a strong influence in the fashion world, but also a place that would push me outside my comfort zone.” While Boston moves at a fast, productivity-driven pace, Milan immediately felt more grounded and intentional—a space where creativity and relationships coexist naturally.

Through the CIEE program, Abby chose an internship path rather than traditional coursework. “I wanted to fully immerse myself in Italian culture and gain hands-on experience in a completely new environment.” Her first interview with Chiara, President of Spazio 3R, gave her an immediate sense of warmth and collaboration within the organization.

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Where Finance Meets Sustainable Fashion

As a Bachelor of Science in Finance student at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Abby had not initially connected her academic background to the world of sustainable fashion. Yet the skills she developed such as organization, structure, and attention to detail have been proven essential in her role as an administrative intern.

Each day, she supports the team wherever needed: translating website content and articles into English to expand Spazio 3R’s international audience; creating graphics for brochures and garment labels; and occasionally photographing seamstresses and team members for social media communication. “Constant communication with my supervisors, Chiara and Viviana, is essential. I’m here to help wherever needed.” The dynamic and collaborative atmosphere allowed her to integrate fully into the rhythm of the organization.

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Learning Patience and the Value of Community

Working within a small, community-rooted organization taught Abby how even simple decisions require care and intention. “I’ve learned to appreciate the patience and collaboration necessary in community-based realities,” she reflects. What struck her most was the daily cultural exchange, observing how communication, work, and creativity function in a context so different from American corporate environments.

Authenticity, respect, and loyalty are values Abby recognizes in the spirit of Spazio 3R. Outside of work, she has always cultivated a passion for the arts: she plays piano and guitar, produces music, and sees fashion as a form of personal expression. For her, creativity and identity are deeply intertwined.

This experience has reshaped the way Abby looks at her future. She discovered a love for new challenges and for testing her own limits, realizing that growth comes not only from traditional education but from active participation and openness to what is different.

You’ll always have a place in our hearts, Abby. Enjoy your trip back to Boston!