From living in the “Casa Italiana,” to studying Renaissance Art for a summer in Florence, to teaching English to kindergarteners in Siena for five months, my experiences with the Italian culture and language have been eye-opening.
Prior to entering William and Mary, learning a second language revolved around memorizing vocabulary and filling out grammar worksheets, but the Italian Department here has provided me with authentic opportunities to interact with Italian culture. I’ve been blessed to study abroad twice and be welcomed into two very different, but equally wonderful host families.
While teaching English at an elementary school during my time in Siena, I found that I have a true love for education. I’ve been able to continue that passion for teaching and foreign languages as a TA for Italian 101-102 and I will be teaching English as a Second Language next year in Memphis, TN.