Dear Readers,
Buon giorno! My name is Margaret and I am a junior about to study abroad in the majestic and bustling city of Roma, Italy. But before I tell you anything about myself, I'd like to say a big Thank You -- especially to my wonderful family and friends -- for reading this blog in the first place. Your support and interest mean more than you know. I look forward to having an amazing time, and I hope that you can enjoy my wild and crazy adventures along with me!
Now for a little background on yours truly ... on the academic front I'm an Art History and Creative Writing double major. But to those who know me I'm just a quirky and silly girl who loves to write, read, sing, cook, and travel. When living on the Bucknell campus, I am a Creative Writing Scholar, a member of the Rooke Chapel Choir, an Email Intern in the Admissions Office, head of the student peer-editing group "Live Poet's Society," participant of the Art Collective, and, depending on the time of year, a cast member of various shows done by the department of Theater and Dance (I was in Urinetown last spring).
But while all of these are things I love to do, poetry and art are my two (main) passions in life, and I certainly hope to experience a whole lot of both while in Europe. I've actually gotten into the habit of carrying around a little notebook with me wherever I go, so I'll do my best to share any of the worthwhile tidbits that I scribble down.
So today I was sitting on my couch with my cat, staring into the fireplace trying to make a list of all the things I have to do in order to have the best time possible abroad. And I realized that while my perfect abroad experience would include me dancing in the Trevi Fountain like Sylvia in La Dolce Vita. That's more of a dream than a definite plan. But seriously, I'd have to say that first and foremost I am excited just to see and explore the city of Rome: wander the streets, get lost on purpose, try new things, go to every museum I can possibly find... I mean, one of my classes will be taught by a master conservator at the Vatican Museum! If that isn't a once in a lifetime deal, I don't know what is.
Anyway, while I will mostly certainly travel on weekends, I want to spend my free time on weekdays making the best of my situation and taking advantage of each and every opportunity I am presented with.
So yes, I'm scared out of my wits at the prospect of living in another country. And yes, the thought of being immersed in a culture and language unlike my own intimidates me. But as the great and marvelous F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, "You are no longer insulated; but I suppose you must touch life in order to spring from it."