College and Year
St. John’s College of Professional Studies, ‘08
Background
My father’s side is Russian and my mother’s side is Irish. I had
traveled abroad a few times prior to studying for the semester. In
high school I went on a trip to Italy with my Latin class. We went
to Rome, Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. I also went on a
family vacation to Mexico. My freshmen year of college I
participated in a Campus Ministry service plunge in Panama, there
we lived with poor families for two weeks.
Major
Hospitality Management
Minors
Business and Italian
Global Study Program
Discover the World: Europe (Rome, Paris, Salamanca)
When
Spring 2007
Where are you originally
from?
I am originally from Pennsylvania and lived there all of my life.
Leaving Pennsylvania was a good decision because I find the urban
environment more stimulating. Life is faster in New York and I knew
there would be more opportunities in New York, especially with my
major in Hospitality Management.
What student clubs, sports, or
extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I am involved in VITAL, Conduct Board and Student Ambassadors. I
was also a Parent Orientation leader for two summers. I assist
Campus Ministry with retreats as a retreat leader. I work on campus
at the Campus Concierge in the library. I’m involved a lot on
campus, so deciding to study abroad was difficult. I thought I
would be giving up all that I was participating in, but that was
false. When I came back I picked up where I left off.
Why did you decide to study
abroad?
I came into college with the notion that I would study abroad at
some point. I was attracted to St. John’s University initially for
their established study abroad programs in Rome and other places.
When the Office of Global Studies unveiled “Discover the World” in
fall 2006 it seemed interesting but I wanted to wait for it to be
more established. I shrugged the program off. One day I
thought why don’t I take a chance and try the study abroad program?
Boy am I glad I did.
What appealed to you about the particular
program you selected?
It seemed like an innovative program. The thought of
studying in Rome, Paris and Salamanca sold me. Prior to applying, I
knew I would be studying in three countries but I wanted to travel
more on top of the three countries. In total I visited 12 countries
during my four month stay in Europe.
What did you like best about studying
abroad?
When I was in Europe I treated each day as a new day. Not to sound
cliché but you “discovered” something new each day. For instance,
in Rome I wanted to find a new way to tour the city so I would go
running. I had a routine of running through the Villa Borghese,
Rome’s equivalent to Central Park, and it was my way of
familiarizing myself with Rome. I also enjoyed the freedom and
responsibility. Each weekend I traveled to a new city or country.
It was amazing and overwhelming at the same time.
What was your most memorable
experience?
It’s hard to pin-point one moment. The most memorable would be the
entire experience. I got to travel to 12 countries. I saw so many
European cultures, tasted new foods and attempted to speak new
languages like German and Portuguese. But my most memorable
experience was the people I studied with. Some of them were from
the Staten Island campus and I would not have the chance to meet
them if I didn’t study abroad. I also met new people from the
Queens campus. My cohort was full of great people and I can see
myself carrying these new friendships farther into my
life.
Would they recommend studying abroad to a
friend?
I would strongly recommend studying abroad to my friends. I
convinced one to go so far. He is doing the Discover the World
program. I would encourage anyone to have an international
experience. When you live abroad you are open to everything – the
food, the language, new smells, architecture, everything. You
notice things that you wouldn’t normally notice here in New York.
Studying abroad was such an invaluable experience. Everybody should
have the same opportunity that I had.