Submitted by Amy Jackson on the 2018 summer session program in Italy and Spain sponsored by the School of Public Policy and Administration…
On Wednesday during our visit to Siena, I was fortunate enough to tour the Duomo with Julie, Marisa and Tyler. After some accidental wrong turns and struggling to read road signs, we finally stumbled upon the Duomo itself. As the gold details on the outside of the building caught my eye and I marveled at the wet marble floors as I tried not to slip as the rain continued to fall, we entered into the cathedral. Before I was even completely through the heavy wooden doors, my jaw dropped in awe and wonder at the magnificence in front of me.
Even though we still have so much to see on this program, I don’t think anything will compare to the moment I got to share with Marisa and Julie. Each of us being Catholic, we instantly felt a special connection to the religious symbols. Together, we stared in awe at the beauty surrounding us. As we wandered our way throughout the Duomo, we finally made our way to the candles. We each lit one and said a prayer for our family members. As I prayed for my grandparents and my father who have passed away, tears began to fill my eyes.
The three of us then made our way to the pews where we knelt down to prayer. I bowed my head before the altar, and thought about what in that very moment I wanted to pray for. Finally, I knew exactly what I wanted to ask for. I asked God to allow this program, this week, this very sacred moment in the Duomo to mark the beginning of a brand new journey in my life. I hoped that this progam would allow me to be a leader in my own life and create a positive change in the world around me while empowering those who I experience this life with.