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.

As a citizen of both Italy and the United States I felt that it was almost an obligation to become fluent in both languages and most importantly understand the differences between both cultures. I am proud to call my-self Italian and I think that it is important if not indispensable that I can continue to study Italian at Drew University.

I decided to minor in Italian because I am extremely interested in Italian culture and linguistics. I had taken French in high school, wanted a change of study and was naturally drawn to Italian because the two languages are so similar. Studying in Venice was an amazing experience, and I definitely plan on returning soon.

I am an Italian minor because of my interest in Italian culture and of my desire to continue studying there following graduation. I think Italian is the most beautiful of the romance languages. I studied Italian for one year in high school, because it was only offered for that one year, I was forced to switch to Spanish. I was thrilled to learn that not only would there be an opportunity for me to continue studying Italian at Drew, but to earn a minor in it.

I am an Italian-American and I am extremely proud of my culture. I enjoy learning the Italian language because it is the language of my parents and grandparents. The language has helped me connect with my family on a whole new level, learning to speak Italian has been both exciting and fun.