News
Florence, Italy
I am a senior at the University of California, Berkeley double majoring in Global Studies with an emphasis on Peace and Conflict with a minor in Italian. I am extremely grateful to the Patrons of Italian Culture for awarding me the distinguished Casola Prize. As someone who studies Global Studies and is interested in pursuing a career in human rights this award is of particular meaning as Albert J. Casola was concerned with the welfare of children whose lives were transformed by war. Furthermore, this award will assist me in pursuing my educational goals, especially as I intend on continuing to graduate school to study human rights.
I have spent the past year studying at the University of Bologna where I have been fully immersed in Italian culture, from living with a group of Italian girls, taking courses in Italian, teaching at an Italian middle school, and interning at a local nonprofit which gives legal aid to unhoused people. All of these experiences helped me to move past being an international student and truly integrate and become a member of the local community.
This year has been extremely transformative for me. I have traveled from Sicily to the Dolomites and become fluent in Italian. While at times it has been difficult, I have deepened my relationships with my family in Rome and Bologna and it has inspired me to attain my citizenship and move to Italy in the future.