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Five weeks in Rome, lifetime transformation
Studying abroad expands a student’s perspective
There is nothing more awesome than to have the Colosseum and Roman Forum as your classroom. There is nothing like sitting on the steps of a fourteenth century fountain in Piazza de Rotunda, eating gelato with friends while people watching in in front of the Pantheon.
You take away a greater appreciation for the history when you can see and experience all the things you have just read about in books or seen on television. After a while there you almost forget about all the history that surrounds you and it just becomes common to walk past ancient ruins to grab lunch or to catch a bus.
I took away more than just what I learned in my ancient classrooms. I learned to be more confident and that I can do a lot more than I ever thought I could. I learned dinners should not be rushed; that they are meant to be lingered over and enjoyed with friends. I would not trade my time spent abroad for anything.
I know that one day I will get back Rome. After all, I did toss a coin into the Trevi Fountian.
- Lori Caldwell studied abroad in the summer of 2011 as a student in the Liberal Studies Summer Seminar in Rome.