Ember Stennett
UMBC Faculty-Led: Picturing Italian Art and Culture in Context in Rome, Italy
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Psychology
Predeparture Post
Ciao! My name is Ember Stennett. I am a rising senior, majoring in biological sciences and minoring in psychology. I am also on the Swim and Dive team at UMBC and because of that I did not realize this opportunity would be possible. I’m thrilled to be planning and packing for my study abroad trip through UMBC’s faculty-led program to Rome, Italy! I leave in one week for three or four weeks, it doesn’t feel real yet. It’s been so fun to learn about what I should bring to be well prepared and “blend in” with the culture. I have only left the country one other time but never by myself and never to Europe!
As soon as I found out that I would be going to Italy, I began my intense Duolingo lessons and researching all the local spots to go in Rome. I’ve been sharing about my upcoming trip with my family and friends. Those who have been there have been giving me so much insight, tips, and advice on where to go and what to see! I can’t stop hearing about how good the food is, and I can’t wait to experience it myself! I have only bought my one-way tickets to Rome and plan to find a travel buddy and stay another week once the class ends! I am anticipating traveling to nearby cities and exploring more of what Italy has to offer, from what everyone is telling me, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice are musts! I also would love to explore Lake Como and maybe the Amalfi Coast. I’ve heard Rome is an amazing city, I’m looking forward to studying there for most of my time there.
As I begin packing my life into a carry-on and backpack for the next couple of weeks, I am trying my hardest to minimize what clothes I deem to be necessary because I know that I will have much more to bring back afterwards. I have had my sister’s help me decide what I should bring, I have also discovered the Sudoku method. It is a travel hack that limits what I take to 9 pieces, 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 layers, that are cross-compatible, which, when arranged into a 3×3 grid, provides me with a total of 27 outfit combinations! I’ve also discovered and begun breaking in Birkenstock sneakers because I know they will be a must when walking all over Rome.
Recently, I have been so lucky to spend some time at home in Illinois! I’ve been able to attend my sister’s graduation from high school and watch her play lacrosse, while spending my time with family, friends, and my dogs! I’ve been doing my best to enjoy the weather and all the free time I have before this quick trip abroad comes. I have been setting up a journal that I want to keep track of all my adventures and experiences! A section I have in that journal includes addresses and stamps so I can send postcards throughout my time away from home. Recently, I have begun painting with watercolors and creating stamps. I just made one for my trip to the Colosseum! Hopefully, I have some time to myself because I want to create my own postcards, with water-colored pencils I was given. I cannot wait to begin sending what I experience and see to those who have supported me throughout this journey!
Traveling around the world has always been a dream of mine, this is just the beginning of that dream. I plan to live this experience to the fullest and be where my feet are. I cannot wait to make new friends, experience a new culture, learn more about myself, and grow in unimaginable ways. I will say I have already begun learning about myself since this study abroad trip has become my reality. I have found myself researching social norms, making sure I have backup plans, and thinking through what I pack. I’m feeling nervous about leaving the county on my own and navigating the new environment, while also making sure to complete assignments, conduct research, and enjoy every moment there. However, I couldn’t be more excited to have the privilege to experience all these worrisome thoughts.
I have only left the country one other time, it was this past spring break, to Costa Rica. I got to explore the tropical jungle and beaches with my closest nine teammates, all while thinking about how those experiences might look once, I travel to Italy. I remember seeing the way the people of Costa Rica live and comparing it to the way I live and wondering about Rome and how that also might be different. It was also strange, but expected, to see the language change and how I could no longer read every sign or to see that there are different rules of the road in Costa Rica than there are in America. Thinking back to some of those first experiences being out of the country, for the first time, intrigues me to know how others live their lives in other countries. One of my favorite memories while in Costa Rica, was a time we decided to explore a free spring, not too far away. That spur of the moment decision was amazing because when we arrived, there were beautiful waterfalls and a rope swing that kept us busy until the sun went down. My takeaways from that trip were that you can’t plan everything and it’s good to go off the schedule, because what we found when we did was my favorite part and second, to be present in the moment. Being there to live it and experience it. I cannot wait to experience my first couple of hours in Italy and the rest of my time there and figuring out all the small things in the moment and adapting. That’s why I am so grateful to be able to contribute to this blog, because I can share my experiences with others who also might be considering studying abroad. I cannot wait to share my first couple of experiences and learn along the way as I travel to Italy, but for now… Ciao!