Being a student at Drew has helped me to affirm the goals and dreams I have had since I was a little girl. However, more importantly it has helped me to learn and become more aware of myself as a person. Having parents who were both born and raised in Italy, naturally I grew up in a very "Italian" home with much of the culture that my family brought to this country with them. One would think that being in this environment from birth I would have realized the effect it has had on me. Creating an "Italian Studies" major has helped me to tie together all courses I have taken thus far in Italian language and culture as well as the classes I intend to take during the remainder of my time at Drew. My course load has consisted of classes focused on language, literature and culture, and when tied together, forms an in-depth study of Italy - its language, culture, traditions, and legacies. Each of these courses, regardless of what department offered them, allowed me to gain a better understanding of my family’s home country and its wonderful culture. Many courses have also allowed me to bring together my interests in various areas such as political science, music and history with my passion for the Italian language. This connection has led me to believe that a major in Italian Studies would be representative of the path my education has taken since the fall of 2004.

I have been captivated by the Italian language and culture since I was a child. I grew up in an Italian household and it is to my misfortune that I did not know how to speak the language. Since my childhood I pledged to myself that I would speak and understand the language. I am an Economics major with a concentration in International Economy. Therefore, completing the Italian minor will certainly give me a better opportunity to look for a job in the international world. Not only would the expansion of my ability to communicate in this foreign tongue may benefit me in the business world, it will undoubtedly create opportunities for me to travel to Italy.

Personally, I study Italian because it has led me to feel more of a connection with my Italian background and ancestors. However, as an English major, I find that studying Italian is fascinating in learning so much more about my own native language. In learning Italian grammar and focusing on the correct way to speak another language, am I able to put my own use of English under a metaphorical microscope to see the ways in which many Americans colloquially and literarily speak and write. I love recognizing cognates between Italian and English, too! In addition, knowing the real Italian language and culture is a unique quality that I find distinguishing. Basically said, learning Italian does not come easily to me, but putting myself up to the challenge has been incredibly rewarding.

I have no other connection to the culture, but I am constantly astonished by the beauty and layered semantics of the language. This is only surpassed by the friendliness of the Italian people and the charm of the countryside. I love learning the ways people communicate with each other. My mother speaks seven languages, so from a very young age I was drawn to the study of foreign languages. I want to learn as many languages as I can get my hands on.

Being an Italian-American, I love anything and everything about my heritage.  I could not be more proud to have relatives from this beautiful country.  It was this infatuation with Italy that sparked my desire to not only speak the language, but study the history and culture as well.  I wanted to devote my undergraduate experience to learn a subject area that I am passionate about.  For I believe if you invest your studies in a specific topic that you are eager to learn, it makes the experience it more exciting and interesting.  Additionally, it is my intention to work overseas in this great country and having studied Italian will give me a global advantage in the language and culture.

When I first came to Drew I was overwhelmed by the vast menu of courses that I could choose from. However, having previously studied Italian in high school and having personal connections with the culture, I did not hesitate when including Italian in my schedule. Looking back at this decision, I can honestly say that this was one of the best academic choices that I have ever made. Choosing to study Italian at Drew has so far provided  me with the unique opportunity to study abroad twice in Venice, as well as to design and pursue my own special major  in Italian language and culture, all while allowing me to intimately explore and reflect upon a vital part of my heritage as an Italian-American. Drew’s study abroad option in Venice, coupled with the Italian department’s extremely knowledgeable and helpful faculty and array of intriguing courses, ranging in everything from cinema to literature,  have all made this academic growth and deeper appreciation for the Italian language and culture  possible. I have also found that studying Italian compliments my simultaneous study of sociology, which has equipped me with a unique perspective from which to explore a foreign language and culture. I truly believe that regardless of where my education takes me, that selecting to study Italian at Drew has made me both a stronger student, as well as a stronger person; two goals I wished to achieve in my time at Drew.

I chose to minor in Italian due to the fact that my mother was born in Sicily and the Italian language and culture have always been huge interests of mine. I felt it was only necessary to study Italian in college so that I could expand my knowledge in the language to become more fluent so that I can speak to my relatives in Italian.  I truly enjoy the Italian program at Drew and have learned a great deal in each class.