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Used savings and $15,000 gift from mom to live in Italy in 2023-2024. Experience taught appreciation for spontaneity, risk-taking, and asking for help. Left 9-to-5 job in San Francisco, used $30,000 savings for “adult gap year” in Italy. Traveled to five countries before settling in Florence. Lifestyle was expensive, ran out of money by Christmas. Mom funded return to Italy for creative-writing residency. Experience strengthened relationship with mom and boosted self-confidence.