Writing Samples

Rediscovering Home

It has been about a week since I reversed my hop across the pond and returned home to the United States of America. I was reluctant to...

Passeggiata nella città dei gigli

Tomorrow, my study abroad program will conclude and my family will touch down in Florence. The speed at which these six weeks have gone...

To be in a Sienese Contrada…

Though Florentines bear the right to the title “Italian” as much as any, tourists in Florence may find their interactions with said...

Behind the Mask

In approaching the City of Bridges by our small private ferry, I knew it was going to be breathtaking. From the water, it appears the...

Let’s Talk Food

I have come to consider myself what I call an “amateur foodie.” By this, I mean that I am highly enthusiastic about cooking, watching...

A Little Adventure

Week three of my six week program is coming to a close and I simply don’t know how to process it. I am in that strange state of being...

When in Rome

To paraphrase Dorothy, when I stepped off the bus in Rome this weekend, I turned to my friend with a look that said, “I’ve a feeling...

First Week in Paradise

While I cannot believe I’ve been here a whole week, part of me can’t believe it’s only been that long. In the past seven days I have...

The Adventure Begins – Arriving in Florence

As a result of my first successful flight without a parent’s accompaniment, I have made it to Florence! I was lucky enough to snag a...

Dreams do come true

I have always dreamed of visiting Italy. Thanks to a study abroad program, this life-long dream will soon be realized. To pump myself up...