This semester I have been so fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to study abroad in Italy. Beginning in early September, I spent three weeks in Florence with ten other Boston College undergraduate students before moving to Parma where we spent the remaining portion of the semester. While in Florence, we took an immersive art history class that brought us to a different site each day. The Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David, and a host of churches were only some among the breadth of historically and artistically-rich landmarks covered over the duration of the course. Once in Parma, we assumed a more typical four-class course load in which I was able to take both communication and philosophy courses to continue working toward the completion of my majors’ requirements.

Somewhat serendipitously, our classes were only held on Mondays through Thursdays, which allowed us to embark on a great number of weekend trips throughout Italy as well as to a few other European countries. Though I couldn’t pick a favorite among these excursions, I particularly enjoyed the trips we took to sea-side towns as well as our penultimate weekend spent in France. Perhaps the highlight of my time abroad, however, was the cooking class taught by a local chef and Parma native who so graciously welcomed us into her home each week. Every Wednesday we gathered as a group to cook traditional Emilian meals over which we would share innumerable laughs and foster invaluable friendships.

Though my return home has been bittersweet, the prevailing feeling I am left with has been that of gratitude for such a remarkable experience. I can not overstate how thankful I am to MVYouth for your continued support and for allowing me to pursue this tremendous opportunity.