Italian: 

The citizens of Firenze are a well-read and cultured people. I've always loved Romance languages, especially French and Spanish. For the past few years, however, I've been laser focused on learning Italian.  It's taken me three years, but now I'm officially fluent to the point where I am confident in communicating in depth with anyone in Italy.  My focused energy had a purpose and it finally paid off because I was able to move to Italy and make a very, very smooth transition as a fluent speaker into the Academy and into the Italian society and culture.