Archives: January 2008
Fri Jan 18, 2008
L'Inizio di un'Avventura! (The beginning of an adventure!)
At the age of 16, I had my first experience abroad and since then, I have had one pursuit of adventure after another. Now I am getting ready to not only visit a country abroad, but live there for a semester. It’s incredible to think that in two weeks I will be leaving for an entire semester in Italy. Even after all of our time in class the past week, I still feel uncertain what to expect. This is a great time to sit and reflect on what I desire the most from this fabulous opportunity. As I sit here, I remember what a teacher in the past told me about making the most of life.
On my first day of high school my favorite history teacher explained to our class that life is one giant orange tree. He said each situation you find yourself in is like an orange that you must squeeze as hard as you can in order to get the most juice out as possible. He was extremely animated, and I can still remember him acting out picking an orange from a tree and clinching it in his hand. After each experience (orange) is squeezed out to the last drop you must drink the juice. Then it nourishes your body and makes you who you are. “Every drop” he said, “You must get out of it all that it’s worth. Don’t waste a minute!”
At this point in the semester, I feel overwhelmed at what’s ahead. I have always remembered this analogy and it has helped me get through many challenges. I don’t want to waste one second. Time is precious.
So, I am looking forward to simply walking the streets and breathing the air. Listening…watching…feeling. This is going to be absolutely amazing!
This is a picture I took outside of the train window when I went to Bulgaria. I'd like to think my gypsy heart roams the world. Sometimes I feel the most at home when I’m not, and the most alive when I'm free to wonder. :)
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Thu Jan 17, 2008
Between the lines
It’s funny to think that the entirety of our Italy abroad program hasn’t hit me yet. I have 15 days to go… and despite four years of anticipation, months of planning, and days of classes- I’m just sitting in my spacious room, with American music playing from my I pod, enjoying the luxuries we are all accustom to in our country. It’s exciting to know that all of my excitement is real, and that in the end this isn’t a fantasy trip I’ve been dreaming of.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me. I hope to learn a lot about the Italian culture and immerse myself in a way that makes me uncomfortable but allows me to see their way of life. I feel like all I have going for me at the moment is my sense of time- I was born on “Italian time.” Throughout my life my family and friends have always joked about how slow I am. It doesn’t matter if they’re referring to the time it takes me to do something or the time it takes me to get somewhere. My dad calls me “snail person,” hopefully I won’t hear “persona della lumaca” while I’m in Italy. Luckily, change is good and is always possible with an open mind.
I want to see and do something every chance I have. I hope my abroad experience will help further my love and knowledge of art/design, while opening doors to new ideas. Currently I’m in my senior year at Auburn, although graduation is still a year away. At this point in my life my friends are all graduating- so I can’t help but think about how my experiences in Italy will be influential throughout the thesis year of Interior Design and hopefully, help me find a job with a competitive design firm. Who knows, maybe my wild dreams of living in an international city will come true.
Arrivederci! Lauren
(I would love to see an Italian national futbol game, since my guy friends never want to play FIFA with. Maybe then I'd be qualified enough...)
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Bon Viaggio!!!!
Okay, we're almost there!!!!
I'm so excited to be going to Italy, going to Ariccia, going anywhere, really. As an Interior Design major, I'm really looking forward to experiencing the art and architecture of Rome and other Italian cities. I read a book recently called THE CLASSICAL LANGUAGE OF ARCHITECTURE by John Summerson. ( A must read for all design majors). Anyway, the author talked about reading structures. The way they were built and designed are representative of certain emotions and ideas. I think that is a lost talent. So many designers now design with mostly speed and money in mind. So, I'm so happy to bear witness to buildings that had SO MUCH more forthought.
Also, I'm looking forward to experiencing the culture. I want to feel the repeating cadence of simplicity and sweetness that I've heard so much about! More than anything, I'm looking forward to living this lifestyle with my peers. All in all, I'm very happy and excited to GET THERE!!!! 
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I just bought a new camera...
A little over four years ago I traveled to Italy with my high school and fell in love. While in Rome I threw a coin over my shoulder into the Trevi fountain in hopes of returning again; little did I know it would be so soon and for so long. I honestly can’t believe I will be living in Italy for 83 days and I’m sure it wont even sink in till after its all over. I have been looking forward to this program since I applied to Auburn and I cant wait to soak it all in and learn as much as my brain allows. I am going with an open mind and a new camera.
While in Italy I hope to learn all I can about the Italian culture, architecture, fashion, families, and religion. I am looking forward to spending my evenings in Ariccia and Rome trying to comprehend the fact that I am living in Italy. I’m also planning on spending my weekends trying to see as much of Italy and Europe as possible. It is such a blessing that I am able to travel to the beautiful country of Italy and live in the small town of Ariccia. These next three months are going to fly by and I cant wait to capture every moment in my memory and in my camera!
I have been looking at this picture of Ariccia for the past two years and i cant wait to see it in person!
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Bubble Girl
Ciao! My name is Amy Luker and I am a junior in Interior Design. Attending Auburn and studying abroad has always been a goal of mine. I am truly blessed and I thank God for allowing the doors to open and letting me to be able to have this incredibly experience. Having this opportunity to study abroad with my college and to learn things that actually apply to my field of study is something that I am especially excited about. I can’t wait to see all of the wonderful art and architecture.
Until I came to college, some would say I lived a sheltered life. Growing up in a small, quiet town and going to school with the same people from kindergarten all the way to twelfth grade tends to make you develop a safety net. Coming to college definitely helped to expand my views and forced me to get out of my comfort zone. Once again, I want to be challenged to break out of my bubble and experience different cultures, surroundings, and ways of living. I have never been anywhere outside of the United States, except Mexico, and I really feel that my world view needs some major expansion. I just want to soak it all in and learn as much as I can while I am in Italy. Furthermore, I want the experiences I have and the people I meet to mold me and make me into a better-rounded person.
The Trevi Fountain is one thing I am looking forward to seeing as well as throwing a coin in.
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TIME OUT!
In approximately 16 short days I get to start the journey of a lifetime. I will be leaving my crazy life of clubs, activities, interviews, babysitting, studying, and socializing for a much needed time out! During my "time out" I am looking forward to being exposed to a variety of different perspectives; I am really excited to learn more about the dynamic of the Italian family, what it means to be an international young adult, and how immersing myself in a culture that is not my own will forever alter my future.
While traveling is definitely worthwhile I am hesitant to leave the most important people in my life- My Family. They're support and love has carried me through the past 3 years in Auburn and I am slightly scared that they won't simply be only a phone call or quick drive away- the Atlantic creates quite a barrier. However, I am confidant that my classmates and I will be able to bond and form an "Auburn Family" of our own- even if it is 4,000 miles away from the plains.
L to R:
Daddy, Kelly"twin", Jamie-lil sis, ME!!, Mom :)
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Is this really happening?
When people ask me if I am excited about going to Italy, believe it or not, I find that it’s hard to respond. Now don’t get me wrong, I am overwhelmingly excited about this upcoming trip and cannot wait to spend three months in such an amazing country. But more than anything it is unbelievable. I’ve been planning this trip for over two years and for so long February 2nd has seemed so far away. To say that I am leaving for Italy in less than 16 days is unreal. It is almost as though I’ve convinced myself that it isn’t really happening. But it is….and I cannot wait!
There are so many things I am looking forward to seeing and experiencing during these next three months. I feel so blessed to be able to see some of the most famous works of art and architecture up close that until this trip I’ve only been able to see in from a book. I’m also excited about getting to learn more about the Italian culture, to meet new people so different from me, and to eat real Italian food for the first time. I’ve never been to Europe, much less actually have the chance to live there and I just want to take everything in and enjoy every minute of it.
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Ciao, yall!
Going to Italy has always been a dream of mine. My mother went to live in Europe after college for a few months, and I have been ready to have the same experiences she had. Being in interior design, one of the main things I’m excited about seeing is the art and architecture. I have studied the art from Italy ever since middle school and have been interested ever since. I am so excited to get to see the sights, not only in Italy, but in other countries as well.
Another thing I am looking forward to is getting to know people. I’m ready to learn about a new culture and experience new things. I am also ready to get to know everyone going on the trip from Auburn. Knowing that we will be away from home for 3 months means that we will become our own little family.
Needless to say, I am very excited about this adventure we are about to embark on. It will be the trip of a life time, and I can’t wait.
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Arrivederci America!
I can’t believe that my time to study in Italy is almost here. It feels like yesterday when I was a freshman and heard about this program. From the moment I heard about it, I knew that this was the program I wanted to use to study abroad. Traveling is one of my passions and I cannot wait to see as much of Italy as I possibly can during my three months abroad. This trip will be a great opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and learn new things, people, and customs. Being a quiet and shy person when I first meet people, this trip will be a great chance for me to try and break that. I can’t wait to get to know everyone in the group, as well as the faculty and staff that we will be working with in Italy. I am also looking forward to learning about the other majors that are represented with this program and how they relate to Italian life. The following picture is one that my friend Courtney took when she participated in this program several semesters ago. It is from their trip to Tuscany and more than any other part of Italy I have always wanted to visit there. I can’t wait to see it! Goodbye America, Hello Italy!
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15 Days and Counting…
For the past couple of months Italy seemed years away, but time has flown by. We have 15 days until we set out to our new home for the next three months. The thought is almost overwhelming, because there is so much to do and so much to look forward to. I have always dreamed of visiting Italy but never thought I would be so fortunate to spend three months there.
My name is Austin I am a fifth year senior studying interior design here at Auburn University. The offer to go to Italy seemed to be a perfect fit. The country offers a variety of some of the most famous pieces art, and is home to architecture that inspired the very foundation of architecture today.
The Colosseum!! One of extraordinary piece of architecture I look forward on seeing.
Experiencing these marvels will help to expand my knowledge as a designer in more ways than I can even comprehend. My plan is to try to soak in as much as possible before our time there comes to an end. The hardest part of planning our trip has been trying to narrow down all the wonderful places to see. I am sure anyone would love to trade their problem for mine right now, but I would not give them up for anything. Of course I am going to miss my friends and family more than I can bare, but I know they are just a phone call away.
Italy here we come!!!
Ciao!
Austin
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All in the family
I have been preparing for this trip for a year. It does not seem like it has been that long since I knew I was accepted into the program. The Lord has totally blessed me with this amazing opportunity! A chance to live in another country for 3 months, to be immersed in a new culture, to meet the people I’m going to meet, and to see the things I am going to see…I never knew this time would come!
I am still in the process of figuring out what the Lord has for my life. I like to know what I am doing now and in the future and I like to be assured along the way that everything is going to be alright; with the Lord I can do that. As I said, I do not know what I want to do yet, but I KNOW the Lord will make that known to me in His time.
I love getting to know all different kinds of people and living in a totally different culture will definitely give me the opportunity to meet new friends. I am so excited to learn more about our group and how they adjust to this new culture. I am also excited to make some lasting friendships with the Italians I will get to meet. I hope to return with a deeper love for the Lord and to discover more about myself and my career goals.
The aspect of the trip I am most looking forward to is families. I will miss my family a ton and I will miss my family of friends. I am excited to be able to make my “family” bigger!
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Where books come to life!
I was the last student to sign up for this trip. It was a very spur-of-the-moment idea. I was sitting at lunch with my friends from the College of Education when I just said out of the blue, "I think I'm going to Italy next semester." They just laughed; I'm not well known for my follow-through. The deadline had already passed, but, lucky for me, there was one spot left. I took that as a sign to mean that I am meant to go on this trip. My major is Early Childhood Education. Most of my fellow travelers are students in the College of Human Sciences. It was more than a little intimidating for me to go into that first class knowing that many of my classmates are fashion and interior design majors (I'm not known for my sense of style, either). I consider myself blessed to find such a friendly and interesting group of people with which to share this adventure.
I am looking forward to many things on this trip. As an educator, I am very interested to visit the local elementary school in Ariccia and note the similarities and differences between Italian schools and our American schools. I am also a voracious reader; in fact, I hope to become a librarian one day. I really enjoy reading historical fiction. The Human story intertwined with past events brings history closer and makes it more personal. I can't wait to actually see some of the landmarks that I have read about in all those books! I'll feel like I'm inside the story. It's really a dream come true for a bibliophile who doesn't usually travel much farther than the last page.
This is a picture of Florence (or Firenze). I once read a fascinating historical fiction novel that is set during the time of Savonarola and the "Bonfire of the Vanities." I have wanted to visit the city ever since.
Arrivederci,
Rachel K Sparkman
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Il modo di vivere italiano (The Italian way of life)
When will reality finally hit me? I'M GOING TO ITALY FOR 3 MONTHS! My wildest dreams could never compare to the experiences I will be having with my new friends in a couple of weeks. The excitement has already begun to rise as we order plane tickets, plan trips, and check off the many to-do lists that seem to multiply each day. As the trip gets closer and closer, I am attempting to keep myself grounded so that I may fully appreciate this wonderful opportunity I've been given. I could never thank my family enough! My obsession with going abroad started about 2 years ago, after attending a meeting about Italy. After a little research, I fell head over heels in love with this place I had never visited. Upon attempting to learn the language I became even more interested, and now I am eagerly waiting to learn the culture...the Italian way of life. Although my major is fashion, I want to pursue a journalism career, mainly focusing on different peoples and the way they live. I am hoping that the warmth of the Italian people will give me many chances to really embrace how they interact and what they believe. Many other "awakening" things will be seen as we travel through Europe as well. Aside from the wonderful knowledge I will gain while abroad, I am equally excited about getting to know everyone in the group. We all seem to be meshing so well together, so I can't wait to witness the new friendships that will be built while we are overseas. Italy is going to be one of the greatest things I have ever done, and I know my life will be enriched because of this adventure. Arrivederci for now, e ci augura la fortuna! (and wish us luck!)
We have already been instructed that this should NOT happen while we are there
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Almost There
So, as I am sitting here trying to complete the rest of my planning I just realized how truly great this opportunity is. I have been excited about going to Italy for a long while now, and still have a lot more to plan for, but it dawned on me that this experience has a lot of significance in my life. For quite some time now, I have wanted to study, live, and possibly look for jobs abroad. I have always been very intrigued with other cultures, and I have had a fascination with the possibility of working in Europe. International experience is one of the best ways to pursue this goal. I think that learning from one another’s cultures is more beneficial to international experience than just reading about them in books. Whenever I think of other people’s cultures, I think of my own, because our culture is really just a combination of many, many others. So, simply put, being so close to the Italian way of life, it will provide me with new insights when entering into the professional world. Being in Hotel and Restaurant Management, I have the opportunity to observe the hospitality industry in other countries, broadening my global views in hospitality. Without this experience, I will not nearly have the understanding of other worldly cultures as I will after this semester. I look forward to the semester abroad, and learning as much as possible to help me in the hospitality profession.
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Hitting the Runway
With a little over two weeks left until our journey, there are many things to be excited about, but for me there is one in particular that stands out. Here is my story:
While every adolescent girl dreams of strutting her stuff on a runway wearing famous designer clothing, I found out early on that I wasn’t quite cut out to model- mainly because I love to eat and I am not tall enough (5’8” is an extreme minimum). So with no way to fulfill this dream directly, I am getting as close as possible, by hopefully gracing the SIDE of the runway at the Fall ‘08-’09 Fashion Show in Milan.
My lucky-break of an internship has given me a great number of benefits and the biggest of these (so far) is a ticket to some of the top runway shows in Milan in the middle of February. The publisher of our Birmingham based start-up that strives to bring style to the southern fashionista, is sending me to the shows to report on the latest trends for the fall season. And while I may still be a fashionista in training, I am drooling at the opportunity to be among the likes of Bottega Veneta, Armani, Cavalli, Emilio Pucci, Prada, etc. and pretend to fit in.
So is there anything that can top this fabulous trip to fashion week? I am pretty sure that three months touring Italy, a true epicenter of fashion and culture, comes close.
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Tell me your story and I'll tell you mine...
Personally and professionally, I think it comes down to people. I am so excited to get to know the Auburn students on this trip. I also can't wait to meet the Italian faculty, staff, and others that will be a huge part of our experience. I love to hear others' stories - what's been meaningful to them in their lives? How do they interpret it? I also truly believe that for any career dealing with people and/or problem solving (which ones don't?!) it is impossible to underestimate the value of studying other cultures. Noticing similarities can be affirming and unifying. Differences can help us understand ourselves better. And studying how life happens in other cultures can give us fresh ideas for ways to enhance our own lives and ways of doing things. How do Italians "do life"? How do they take care of each other and their families? The answers to these questions can help us, as professionals, learn how to "do life" and help to make life better for others. I hope that this experience will give me more ways to "think outside the box" personally and professionally.
On a COMPLETELY separate note... I have been fascinate by ancient history, art, and architecture for as long as I can remember. The field trips and other experiences we're going to have are a dream come true.
My dog, Simon, living in the moment. I hear Italians are good at that, too...
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Ready, Set, Go!
Ciao! My name is Kendal Berner and I am a junior at Auburn studying Hotel & Restaurant Management. I grew up in a suburb of Washington, D.C. and have been blessed with many opportunities to travel all over the world. I am so excited to be able to call Ariccia my new home for the next 3 months!
During my time abroad, I hope to immerse myself in the Italian culture and experience and see as much as possible. I can't wait to live the Italian lifestyle and hope to learn as much as possible from the people I meet along the way. I believe that this is a once in a life time opportunity that will truly change my life for the better. My mom's entire family is from Italy and I can't wait to go see and learn about where they came from!
I hope that on this trip I am able to grow both personally and professionally. Upon graduation I have considered living abroad (possibly in Italy) and working for a major hotel company before settling down in New York City. I can't wait to see what lies ahead of me, and look forward to sharing all of my experiences with everyone!
This is a picture of a cute little Italian grandpa fishing with is grandson that I took in Sorrento when I travled to Italy with my family a few years ago.
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Jetsetters Beware!
As I sit down to write this, I am in the comfort of my home-away-from-home: Auburn, Alabama. In a little over two weeks, I will call Ariccia, Italy my new home-away-from-home. For many, this is an opportunity that they will never have. Because of this, I am incredibly thankful.
Hello to all. My name is Jill Starke and I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota. While pursuing a degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production Management at Auburn University, I have had the chance to do many wonderful things. I believe that none will compare to the adventure that I am about to embark on.
During my three-month stay in Italy, I am hoping to grow as a person. I know this sounds rather cliché, but I am at a point in my life where I would really like to reevaluate what is important to me. Personally, I feel that there is no better way to do this than to spend time away from everyone and everything that is familiar to you. Ultimately, I hope to immerse myself in the Italian culture, while taking in each and every breathtaking site that I can. Jetsetters beware…there’s a new girl in town!
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One Thing Leads To Another...
If you had told me 5 years ago that I would attend Auburn University I would have called you deranged. After of course asking where in the heck Auburn was! If you had then told me I would be living in Italy for 3 months, I would have completely written you off. And yet, here I am, studying in a state completely unfamiliar to me and preparing to depart to a country even more foreign…literally.
There is, however, one common factor between these two places. Fashion. I came to Auburn to study fashion and I intend to further this study in Italy, home of the fashion capital. My obsession started with a subscription to Vogue, flourished into degree in Apparel Merchandising, and is about to submerge me in Italian culture. For the next 3 months my Vogue can be set aside. I anticipate that any interest I have about the latest trends can be fulfilled by one quick look around any Italian square, or piazza! Having that opportunity available makes me absolutely ecstatic about this next step in my life.
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Ciambella- my new favorite Italian word (means doughnut)
Wow I am so blessed. I can not even believe how sweet life is that God would say “Alright Jenny, Its time for me to reveal to you where I want you to go this semester. You’re going to be so pumped, you ready? … ITALY!”
I know this is going to be an adventure of a life time and I’m probably not going to want to come back. Being in class these past two weeks has been great, Mrs. Abell has really heightened our interest to a new level I didn’t think I had in me. Learning about the Italian culture from language, food, travel, people, and religion has been eye opening.
I can honestly say that I am going into this trip with a completely open mind. I am interested in visiting and seeing as many places as possible and since this side of the world is brand new to me there isn’t a place in particular I have to go or a favorite place of mine. While I have an open mind about where to travel I do have a particular part of the culture I’m interested in seeing and that is the hotels and resorts. Hopefully I will be able to see and experience their unique ways of doing things and the differences between them and American Hotels.
The picture below is of me and my family in Maui, Hawaii. Maui is where I hope to go post graduation working at the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort. Who knows though the possibilities are endless! Oh and my family rocks, They are the reason I am able to go on this trip and I’ll miss them!
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One small step...
Ciao!
My name is Amy Diestelkamp, and I am a senior who plans to graduate in May after returning from Italy. I came to Auburn with a very clear idea of what I thought I wanted to do: major in Political Science and then go on to Law School. However, like most people, I am not the same person I was upon entering college, and, while I love my major and the experiences I have had here at Auburn, I am not ready to go straight to Law School. That is where Italy, and this entire semester, comes into play.
I am hoping this trip will not only open my eyes to the cultures, languages, art, and history of Italy and other parts of Europe, but also give me a better self-image of who I am and where place I hold in this world. I have loved studying the different aspects of the United States’ politics over the past three and a half years, and I am very curious to see how the local government systems in Italy compare to our own.
One of my goals is to visit our nation’s embassy in Rome and the Vatican City, and get to know what happens there. I want to see for myself how our government interacts with other nations and see if it is an area I would like to get more involved with after I graduate in May. I have many questions and I may not find all my answers, but with each small step I take, I know that I am just that much closer to finding my place in this world!
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Wed Jan 16, 2008
The Beginning of The Best Semester of My Life
Hi!
My name is Whitney Hale, you can just call me Whit!
In 16 days, I will be leaving the comfort of my home and venturing off to a foreign land where very few speak my language.
There are many things that are going to make this trip very beneficial to me.
1. To prove to myself that I can be a responsible person and be completely independent.
2. To completely immerse myself in an unknown culture and be able to learn the culture, appreciate it, and be accepted in it.
3. To expand my views and broaden my horizons.
4. To make me a better designer.
For those who do not know me, you might want to read further. Most people can not say that they were raised on a farm with horses, pigs, chickens, cows, and goats. Most can’t say that they grew up an only-child and that there mother is one of their best friends. Most can’t say that their only neighbors were kin. I can. I must say that I have grown up with the best of both worlds. I grew up on the family farm, but moved to the “city” in middle school. I know the pleasure of rolling hills and seeing the stars at night on my back porch. But I also love the hum of the cars on the interstate and the livelihood of the city. I love life and am determined to get everything that I can out of it!
This is a picture of my mother and I in Central Park for my 21st birthday.
As a child, I was mesmerized by the thought of Pompeii and how it was preserved as it was. I decided at the age of six to be an archaeologist and dig up treasures. As I grew up, my dreams changed but my interest in Pompeii never changes. When I realized that I would actually get to see this city that reminds me of my childhood.
Please feel free to email me about anything over the semester and I would love to chat!!
Ciao!
Whit
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