The first day of orientation further drove home my sentiments of how honored I feel to be a part of a program that promotes culture and the exchange of ideas in such a dignified manner. One of the speakers explained to us that we are building another brick towards bi-lateral relations between the USA and Italy and we are continuing to strengthen the existing amicable relationship between the two countries. Furthermore, we serve as on-land ambassadors of America in our quest to promote the exchange of ideas and culture. As I was sitting among great scholars, thinkers, and fellow Fulbrighters I thought to myself how every essay written, every moment studying, every occasion I declined to dedicate to my studies was all worth it in order to be living in that moment.
Part of the orientation was dedicated to researchers and English Teaching Assistants to share what our project proposals are for the coming year. It was so interesting to listen to what each person had to contribute and to hear about the different topics that people are passionate about. There were so many topics of study that I never would have even thought of, and it was very eye opening to be exposed to the different possibilities. The study of identity development among young migrants compared to their Italian counterparts, testing the Equivalence Principle with the Galileo Galilei Project by using satellites, the oil relationship between Russia and Italy, the Italian policies on herbicide use in agriculture and the impact it has on the environment, and the study of the past and present of Italian jewelry are just a sample of the wide variety of projects for this year.
Cultural Notes: 1. Italy has deservingly been known for its rich contribution to art, architecture, literature, cuisine, and fashion. It’s contribution to technology and science has always been (and continues to be) semi-neglected. Italy was home to great scientific minds like Alessandro Volta (where the word ‘voltage’ comes from since he invented the electric battery), Galileo Galilei, Enrico Fermi etc. Italy continues to house great scientific minds but aesthetics seems to have dominated through the years.
2. One of the speakers urged us to speak Italian regardless of how embarrassed or self-conscious we may feel. She noted how Italians are extremely “gracious and forgiving” of whatever mistakes we make. This is something I completely agreed with. Italians are willing to help you along while you try to express yourself and they are delighted when we try to communicate in their language.
Highlight of My Day: At one point in one of the lectures, the Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission told us to use our title because it will open up a lot of doors. She told us to say sono una borsista Fulbright meaning I’m a Fulbright Scholar. It was funny because it made me feel like I am now part of some sort of secret society or something…where’s my badge???
Highlight of My Evening: There was a cocktail event at the home of the US Embassy’s Minister Counselor for Public Affairs. It was nice to further chat with fellow Fulbrighters and further discuss our topics of interest.
Impara con me! patrocinio- sponsorship
