An Environmental Design alumna from the class of 1989 reflects on navigating Italian life without Google Translate, a meaningful return to Villa Rossa, and how a semester abroad planted the seeds for a 27-year career in art education.
What was your home school and major when you studied here in 1989?
Home school was the College of Human Development at Syracuse University. I was majoring in Environmental Design (Interiors).
Why did you choose to come to Syracuse Florence?
I had many friends who had done the program abroad the year before and wanted to experience the same. I was so interested in the architecture and Italian culture since I am 1/2 Italian. Sad story is a had 2 friends on the Pan Am 103 flight. Those friends were returning from abroad in London just months before.
Do you have any funny/touching stories about adjusting to Italian culture when you lived here?
Trying to fumble our way through the language with no Google Translate was hysterical. Learning how to grocery shop. Something about how you lined up with your carts in alternating directions? Exchanging Lira for Francs, deutsche marks and Schillings when traveling. Getting to see mass with Pope John Paul II on Father’s Day.
You married past and present during your recent return to Florence, painting around sketches you had created while a student here. How did your study abroad experience influence your career and life afterward?
I did work as an Interior Designer for 12 years but was being pushed away from the creative process and more into project management. I switched to being an art teacher 27 years ago. The best thing that is still with me is the importance of my sketchbook. I use the term “visual notetaking” with my students even to this day.
What was it like returning to Villa Rossa?
Returning was amazing. I had all sorts of happy feels. I was so young, had barely traveled, and was in awe of Florence and Italy in general. I am very eager to return. Would love to teach there if you ever needed someone!
Advice for current students?
Advice…stay on top of your work. Sketch EVERYWHERE. Experience it all. Sites, food, people. It goes by so fast. It’s an amazing opportunity to be there. Do not take any of it for granted.