Florence Global Ambassadors
Hello future abroad students! I'm Alaina Mallette, a Geography & Spanish major in the College of Arts & Sciences, SU. I studied at SU in Florence, specifically the Discovery Florence Program, Fall 2009. On campus and in Syracuse I am involved in The DREAM Team at SU, Alpha Phi Omega, Say Yes to Education, SCSD Mentor Program, Renee Crown Honors Program, and I am a Orientation Leader. While abroad, I got to travel almost every weekend to someplace new and exciting. I ended up falling in love all over again with every new place that I visited. Take the time to explore and conquer new lands!
My name is Amanda Bay and I am twenty years old. I was born in Ithaca, New York but I am from Mozambique, in Southern Africa. After living in Ithaca for my first four years, my family and I moved to our home country, Mozambique. We stayed there for seven years before my father got an excellent opportunity to become an FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Representative in the United Nations. My father’s job led him to Lesotho for a four-year period; initially I was very upset with moving to a place I had never even heard of. But now I realize that it was the fear of the unknown that had confined my mind. Once I found out we were going to move to Eritrea next, I started to keep myself open-minded to my surroundings because I realized that moving through different societies was going to be part of my life. From Lesotho, we went to Eritrea, which was very different. Eritrea lacked most necessities a person may need (ex. milk, bread, etc) but my family and I lived through it. Other than the lack of essential materials a person needs, the international school education was not very strong; but I came to learn from it. My family and I were meant to stay for four years there, but because of disputes and rumors of war between Eritrea and Ethiopia, my mother and I moved back to Mozambique (unfortunately my father had to stay and finish his contract with Eritrea). I was evidently happy to be back home, especially since I was going to finish high school with my childhood friends. It was in high school when we had to think about what our interests for university were, and that’s when my experiences dawned on my choice to do sociology.
My name is Angela Binion and I am currently a sophomore at Syracuse University, following a pre-med path and pursuing degrees in chemistry and Italian. I chose to study abroad in Florence, Italy during this past fall semester to more closely pursue my Italian major. I had a fantastic time, as my semester abroad was easily one of my most memorable semesters yet! Upon graduating from SU, I hope to enter medical school and pursue a career as a doctor, possibly working with the Doctors without Boarders Program. My dream, as inspired by my time abroad, however, is living and working in Italy.
Hi, I’m Anneli Lambeth and I am a junior at Syracuse University, double majoring in International Relations and Political Science. I studied abroad fall 2011 in Florence, Italy, and I absolutely loved it! While abroad, I was able to travel all over Italy and Europe, and even run my first full marathon, the Firenze Maratona. I would love to talk with you about my learning experiences abroad in Italia, as well as give advice about preparing for and living la vita as an italiano! I am now back on campus at Syracuse, and am involved in campus life as a member of Alpha Xi Delta. Feel free to contact me about Italian study abroad life, or any other study abroad programs, and I will see if I can convince you of why studying abroad is the best experience you will ever have! Ciao!
Hi! My name is Annina Kull, and I am currently a Sophmore at SU. I am majoring in International Relations, with a minor in German. I live in Connecticut, but I am originally from Zurich, Switzerland. In my spare time I love to travel, do yoga, and have fun with whatever I am doing! I studied abroad my junior year in high school in Berlin, Germany and again in Florence, Italy as a freshman. I can speak Swiss-German, German, and Italian. One of the most amazing things about being abroad is that no matter where I go, there is always history to be found upon the buildings in all of the beautiful cities. I am here to help you guys, so if you have any questions feel free to e-mail me!
Hi there, I'm Bri Rinaldo - a Sophomore at Syracuse Univesity studying International Relations, Middle Eastern Studies, and Spanish. I'm from Springfield, Virginia - just across the river from Washington, DC. On campus, I'm on the Club Gymnastics Team and an active brother in the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and over the summers I spend my life at my neighborhood pool teaching kids how to swim! My semester in Florence, Italy in the Fall of 2010 was an absolutely life-changing experience and I wish nothing but the same for you! You'll grow and learn so much about yourself and the world and your own place in it. The semester was emotional, breath-taking, and inspiring and I wouldn't change it for anything in this world. I could talk about the city of Florence all day and night, so please shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions at all!
My name is Bushra Kabir and I'm from Chicago. I'm a first year student at SU with a major in Anthropology, minor in Global Enterprise Technology and I'm also on the Pre-medicine track. I am the Public Relations officer and Special Events coordinator of the Muslim Students Association. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy during the Fall 2011 semester as a part of the Discovery Florence First Year Student Study Abroad program. The time spent there and the memories built there have helped me become more independent, brave and confident. Studying abroad for me was the gateway to accomplishing my biggest dreams. I was born in Bangladesh and came to the USA only in 2005, thus the experience of living in a foreign country has always been exciting for me, and I would love to continue building on that with more various cultures throughout my life.
Hi, my name is Chelsea Haneman and I’m a current 5th year architecture student at Syracuse University. Last year I had the good fortune of studying abroad for two semesters; one in London, UK and the other in Florence, Italy. Although both European cities, London and Florence offer entirely different environments for learning, providing students with the opportunity to experience a greater range of cultures.
As an Art History major and Architecture minor, Desiree Pakravan always knew Florence would be the perfect place to study. While studying at the University of Southern California, she opted to study abroad in Florence because she knew she would get the opportunity to immerse herself in a city famed for the culture and history she is so passionate about. She enjoys visiting architectural sites and experiencing new art exhibits throughout the world. Her true passion is traveling!
My name is Elizabeth Evans and I am a junior at Syracuse University majoring in public relations and biology with a minor in music performance. I had the opportunity to go abroad to Florence, Italy in Fall 2011, and I count down the days until I can go back! I’m originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania and enjoy going to Phillies games when I’m home during the summer. On campus, I’m a member of the marching band and pep band, a sister of Gamma Phi Beta, and a committee member for Relay for Life.
Hi! My name is Elizabeth Pastor and I am a junior Nutrition major. I am also a member of the SU Women’s Club Lacrosse team, Nutrition Education and Public Awareness (NEPA), and I enjoy going on alternative spring break trips for Habitat for Humanity. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy during the Fall 2011 semester and I loved every moment of it. My favorite activities in Florence were to run along the Arno (the river) and eat gelato! A few of my favorite memories while abroad were traveling to Cinque Terre and biking through the Chianti region. I am happy to answer any questions about my study abroad experience in Florence!
Hi! I am Elyssa Nemetsky from Roslyn, New York. I am a senior at The George Washington University majoring in Communications and minoring in Journalism. At my university I am actively involved in my sorority Sigma Delta Tau, Hillel and reporting for the yearbook. I love to dance, be active in politics, read fashion magazines, and my guilty pleasure is watching Rachel Zoe! I studied abroad in the Spring of 2011 in Florence, Italy and was able to live two blocks from the Duomo and around the corner from the Mercado Centrale. I was able to visit so many amazing places abroad, but my favorite was the Amalfi Coast by far!
My name is Emily Deshaies, and I am a Junior Accounting major in the Whitman School of Management. I’m from Chelmsford, MA, and at home I live with my parents, my older brother, and my dog. I love being active with sports and activities, as well as being involved on campus. I also love music. This past Fall 2011 I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. I lived with a host family (an older couple) and a roommate. I had an amazing time in Florence, as well as the many other cities and countries I traveled to. I would highly recommend Florence or just the study abroad experience in general to anyone.
My name is Erin Dunn and I am currently a senior at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. I am majoring in Art History and English Literature. I am the president of the Art History Club as well as the Arts editor on the student published Alloy Literary Magazine on campus. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy through Syracuse University during the Spring 2011 semester.
Eve Brickner is an art history major and medieval and renaissance studies minor at Syracuse University. She studied in Florence with the SU Florence program in the spring of 2011. From Chicago, Eve is now completing her senior year at SU. She is also a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority.
My name is Ivan Georgiev Zhivkov and I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria on February 4, 1992. I lived in Bulgaria for eleven years until my family and I immigrated to the United States in 2003. The transition to American culture was not easy but I really enjoyed living in America. I was in the fifth grade when I came to America and at first I could not understand anything. The only subject that I excelled at was mathematics because it is the same everywhere. A true universal language. However, I was determined to learn English and to communicate with my peers. Looking back it paid off because I began to excel in middle school and throughout high school. My favorite subjects became American history and English. I had begun practicing swimming since I was eight years old and I continued it in the United States until I was sixteen. In high school I became involved with Student Government, the Chess Club and the Volleyball team. One of the proudest moments in high school was when I was President of the Student Government and created the Haiti Relief Fund. We created two events, Open Microphone Night and a Dance Night, during which we raised three thousand dollars that were donated to rebuild a kindergarten school in Port au Prince. Currently I attend Syracuse University as a freshman who just came back from spending a semester abroad. I loved my time in Italy as a Discovery Florence student and I would gladly do it again.
Hi! I’m Jenna Norelli, a Junior Anthropology major at SU, born and raised in Clifton Park, New York. On campus, I’m an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. I studied abroad Fall 2011 in Florence, Italy and had the time of my life! From my wonderful host parents to my internship at the Museo Archeologico di Firenze and all of the unforgettable friendships I made, I will always cherish my semester studying in Italy.
My name is Jennifer Osias, I am a Political Science and International Relations major with a minor in Chinese Studies and Policy Studies at Syracuse. I participated in the Discovery Florence program and I will be studying abroad at the Beijing and Istanbul Centers this upcoming year. My favorite part of studying in Florence was exploring the city; even though I was there for 5 months I never ran out of things to do! Once I got to campus I became involved with Medusa Magazine, Student Association and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. I still know Florence like the back of my hand so if you have any questions about how to get around or just want to know where to get the best gelato ( the little shop on lungarno via degli acciaioli) just ask!
I, Jennifer Suzanne Walsdorf, study at Gettysburg College. I major in Organization and Management Studies, specifically in the organization and society track. I also have a minor in Business. I am from Cold Spring Harbor, New York and studied in Florence, Italy my fall 2011 semester. The semester I spent abroad was the most valuable and culturally enriching experience. While in a foreign country, I became closer with those in the program but simultaneously with those at home in America. I had an amazing learning experience and encourage those able to study abroad to do so; it was a life-changing semester.
Hey everyone! My name is Jessica Cimino, an English Textual Studies and Anthropology major at Syracuse University. Back on campus I do a lot of volunteer work through my fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. I also take salsa lessons. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy the fall of 2010 and had an amazing experience! It was beautiful to watch the sun set over the Duomo every day. I’d love to share my experiences with you, so feel free to contact me.
I'm Katy Hansen, I am a freshmen at Syracuse University majoring in International Relations. I had the opportunity to spend my first semester in Florence, Italy as a part of Syracuse's Discovery Florence program. While there I interned with the youth-oriented branch of Unicef called Younicef. While I wasn't getting lost around the city with that, I was usually found bartering at the leather market, eating Kinder, or traveling around Europe. If you have any questions about Florence or I can help you in any way, please feel free to contact me. A dopo!
I'm Maddie Summa and I'm a Boston College junior from San Francisco, California. Over my years in college, I've pursued my interests in water polo, satirical news, and local art events around Boston and San Francisco. My study abroad experience through the SU Abroad program in Florence was very important, especially with how courses involved the actual city of Florence as part of the classroom. It helped me to appreciate my home city, other Italian cities, and several places in Europe that I also visited. I would love to share some of the stories of an amazing semester with other students thinking about studying abroad.
My name is Madison Desmond and I am a Junior at Gettysburg College majoring in Art History with a minor in Sociology. Ever since my freshman year of college I knew I wanted to spend a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. My dream came true in the Fall of 2011 and it was an experience I will never forget. My passions for art, fashion and traveling made Italy the perfect choice for me. During my time abroad, I made new friends, acquired a second (Italian) family, discovered new places, experienced new cultures, ate the most delicious food in the world and left with everlasting memories. Please contact me if you have any inquiries about Florence or any general questions about a semester abroad.
Madriqueka Brooks
My name is Madriqueka Brooks from Surprise, Arizona. Coming to SU was an easy choice despite being a long way from home and the dramatic climate shock that I experienced. Being a first-year student did not discourage me from participating in the Discovery Florence Program. In fact it confirmed my enrollment at Syracuse University. As a biology student I have been tied down by a rigorous academic schedule however that has not prohibited me from pursuing any of my extracurricular interests including my work as a Literacy Corps tutor and orientation leader. As a graduating senior I will take away with me many wonderful experiences that I have had in my time at SU and abroad.
Hi! My name is Mary Heminger and I was an Art major and Art History minor at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. At Wittenberg, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, Kappa Delta Sorority, Young Life, and the Crew Team. I studied abroad in Florence in the fall of 2009, and it absolutely changed my life! While I still can't quite seem to put the experience into words, I can tell you that one of my favorite memories was rowing on the Arno and waving to the tourists on the Ponte Vecchio. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! I want your experience in Italy to be just as, if not more, awesome than mine :)
Michelle Hilt
My name is Michelle Hilt and I am a photography major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. During the Fall of 2011 I studied in Florence, Italy. When I start something, I finish it. I am never afraid to ask for advice and am diplomatic and have the confidence to motivate people. While abroad I interned at Vista Magazine and BeautifulFlorence.blogspot.com. During my summer’s I spend time working at The Last Temptation Ice Cream and Coffee Shop in New Hope, PA, however, this summer I plan to have an internship in Philadelphia. I loved having the ability to travel and experience the world around last fall and hope to be able to continue traveling after college.
Hello, I'm Rachel Ahart, an Undecided Major in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University. At Syracuse University, I am a member of the community service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega and I have participated in a Skiing and Snowboarding Club. I was involved in the Discovery Florence program in Florence, Italy for my first freshman semester. I learned a great deal there, and loved the experiences I came back from the trip with. Two of my favorite memories from my semester abroad were the trip that I went on to Cinque Terre to see an Italian beach, and the weekend I spent in Marrakesh, Morocco: riding camels and walking around in the soukhs. Let me know if you have questions for me, I would love to tell you about the amazing time I had in Italy!
My name is Rachel Elizabeth Watson and I am from New Haven, CT. I went to an all girls Catholic High School and wanted to come to Syracuse University since sophomore year of high school. The architecture program at Syracuse allowed to understand different methods to approaching design and helped with my opportunity to study abroad. I am in my final year of study and going to be working on my thesis project. After Syracuse University, I want to apply for graduate school in New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. But I know that I will never forget what I learned from Syracuse and study abroad.
I am, Shreya Shah, a 5th year student at the School of Architecture. I was born in Mumbai, India but raised in Rochester, NY. I studied abroad in London (Fall 2010) and Florence (Spring 2011). I had the opportunity to travel around Europe as well. I took trips to Austria, Turkey, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Scotland, France, and the Czech Republic. I enjoy drawing, photography, soccer, and basketball.
My name is Tyler Prince and I am a senior Art History Major at Syracuse University. I am 21 years old and I grew up in Pompey, New York, around 20 minutes outside of Syracuse. I transferred into Syracuse from Endicott College in Beverly, MA as a junior in the fall of 2010. As an art historian I am particularly interested in medieval ivory carving and hope to make that a further focus of study throughout my postgraduate education. I am a member of both the Renee Crown Honors Program and Habitat for Humanity at Syracuse University.
Hello! My name is Víctor Sánchez a Modern Foreign Languages major at the College of Arts and Sciences at SU, concentrating in Italian and French. I was inspired to pursue this major after I studied abroad in Florence, Italy as a freshman. I participated in the Discovery Florence program in Fall of 2009. I remember going to the mini-market near campus to get groceries for my host family, I would prepare a dish for them and then they would prepare amazing Italian dishes for us! It was truly an amazing cultural experience. Now I am a junior at SU and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, occupying the position of recording secretary. Feel free to contact me! I love talking about Italy, France and any other interesting places!
William Partin studies modern art and music theory at Emory University. He studied abroad through SU Abroad programs in Florence during the spring of 2011, where he interned at Villa I Tatti: Harvard University Center for Renaissance Studies. While abroad, he was awarded the Coluccio Salutati award for academic excellence. His hobbies in Florence included: eating Nutella, visiting art museums, napping in public parks, following Italian cats, and riding buses to see where they go.
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