Submitted by Annie Tompkins on the 2019 summer session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition…
This past week abroad in rural Tuscany and Rome has been testy but has been worth it. Our time in rural Tuscany was slow and at times, tested our patience with not only the program, but with our own sense of cultural lag, etc. Once we got to Rome, those feelings quickly dissipated as we were finally encouraged to explore on our own. We had the opportunity to explore this weekend in Rome and during that time, my friends and I made a pact to come back later in life, as this city is like no other. I only wish I could stay longer!
Our two classes have joined sides to finish out our program with our final projects, which are in the middle of completion now, as most will head out Saturday morning for the East Coast once again. Luckily, for some of us including myself, we will continue on. I feel like as this program is rounding to a close, I am preparing not only to be sad when I get home, but in an opposite light, to have made 26 more friends than I had only two weeks ago. The connections I have made on this program are ones that will last not only the rest of my college career, but as I see it, will also be held together into the rest of our lives and adulthood post-graduation.
I’m so grateful to have had this experience to study culture and nutrition in another country. It has changed my mindset and helped me understand people in general just a little bit better. There are many similarities, yet also many differences. I almost feel that when I am home after this program concludes, I will feel culturally shocked to be in an area where “Grazie” or “Prego” isn’t a common phrase, where cappuccinos after 1:00 pm are normal again, or where I can no longer get a bowl of amazing handmade pasta for breakfast.
It has been unforgettable thus far and I have only high expectations for this last week – let’s get the ball rolling (but also SLOW down, time!)