As I approach the first week of July, I have started to realize how much knowledge I have already gained. There were a couple experiences I have had in particular that have had a significant impact on me. The Carrara quarry marble tour in Carrara, Italy and the Museo delle Maioliche tile museum in Palermo, Italy. These two places I visited stood out to me because they were intriguing to me, as well as have a significance for my future career. As an interior design major, learning about materials in Italy has been eye opening to me. It is so fascinating to see places first hand when I have heard about them through my studies.

My first experience was the Carrara quarry marble tour in Carrara, Italy. One weekend I did not have plans, when a fellow peer asked me If I wanted to go to Carrara with them. She is also an interior design major and said that going to Carrara would be a great experience and way to learn more about marble. I am so glad I took this opportunity and risk to just say yes and go. Coming back from Carrara, I felt like I gained a deeper wisdom and understanding of why marble is so sought after and treasured.

We had the most positive, easygoing tour guide named Marco at the quarry. He really made the overall experience even better because I could tell he was very learned on the topic and he enjoyed talking about it. Something he taught us was how to distinguish if the marble is real carrara marble or if it is fake. He also explained to us that many places, especially in the United States, sell fake carrara marble for the same price as the real marble. I was thankful to learn about this because in my future interior design projects, this will be a useful factor.

I was able to gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Carrara marble, which has been used in iconic sculptures and buildings, including works by Michelangelo and the Pantheon in Rome. He talked about sculptures in Rome which I had been to that are made of the Carrara which was sourced in the quarry I was looking at. It was a surreal moment to me to realize I was standing in a spot where Michelangelo had once been.

Also, I gained an understanding of how the extraction methods have evolved over centuries. It was fascinating to learn how they used to extract the marble, and how they risked their lives. In ancient Roman times, marble extraction was primarily done using manual tools such as hammers, chisels, and wedges. Workers would create small holes in the marble, insert wooden wedges, and then soak them with water to expand the wood and split the stone. The Romans employed the “panel” method, where a large vertical slab was isolated from the surrounding rock by chiseling narrow channels on three sides, then splitting the slab off the rock bed. The introduction of rope saws, which were thin ropes embedded with sand and water, allowed for more precise and controlled cuts. Workers began using more systematic quarrying techniques to extract larger blocks of marble with minimal waste. The 19th century saw the introduction of gunpowder and dynamite for blasting rock. This allowed for the extraction of larger quantities of marble more quickly, although it often caused significant waste and damage to the stone. Today, the extraction process is highly advanced, with computer-controlled equipment ensuring precision and efficiency. It is all extremely hard work and the workers should not go underappreciated.

My second experience, the Museo delle Maioliche tile museum, stood out to me because I have never gotten to see such old and beautiful tiles all in one place. The museum houses one of the largest private collections of antique maiolica tiles, featuring over 5,000 pieces dating from the 16th to the 20th

century. I got an in-depth look at the evolution of tile design and manufacturing techniques. It was fascinating seeing the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the maiolica tiles. Each tile is a work of art, showcasing the skill and creativity of the artisans who made them. The museum served as a source of inspiration for me, and gave me ideas for my future in interior design to incorporate traditional designs into contemporary work.

Even though I came into this experience open to learning new things and gaining wisdom, I do not think I understood how much I would actually learn. These two experiences will definitely stick with me now and in the future. I feel more confident with my knowledge of marble and tile, which will benefit me in my future career. I am thankful to have had these experiences and to have taken something really beneficial away from them as well. I recommend you to try new things and say yes to places even if it is last minute because you could gain wisdom that could be useful for your life.

-Adele Cox, Interior Design ’25

Coming to Italy, I was most excited to branch out and try new foods and local cuisine. As a former Instagram food blogger (underground account that only my close friends follow), it is fair to say that I really enjoy food, learning about the culture behind it and sharing this experience with others. This way they may come to appreciate this food too. On one of our class field trips, we had the opportunity to come to Palermo, Sicily and visit the Ballarò market, which is known for its Sicilian street food.

Upon entering Ballarò, I was immediately overwhelmed by the lively and chaotic atmosphere. Narrow pathways crammed with food stands, colorful tents, and the aromatic medley of freshly baked fish, herbs, and tomatoes created a sensory overload. Motorcyclists weaved through the crowds, while chefs yelled greetings to attract patrons to their stands. The experience was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells, culminating in the moment I sank my teeth into a hot, fluffy piece of bread adorned with tomato sauce and fresh herbs. It felt like tasting a dish infused with the heart and soul of countless Sicilian ancestors. The market offered many culinary delights. From freshly squeezed orange juice, to fried octopus (Purpu vugghiuti), to chickpea flour fritters (Panelle), to veal intestine (Stigghiola), to snails (lumaca) sold by the kilogram, Ballarò truly had something for everyone. The diversity and richness in flavors captivated me.

To begin our food journey, we first stopped at a stand selling fresh bread with toppings, pizza, rice balls or “Arancina”, fried chickpea flour fritters (Panelle) and sesame cookies. The chef topped our pizza and bread from stems of fresh oregano wrapped in plastic. At this moment, I knew the food was going to be good. It just had that fresh and aromatic smell to it that I associate with quality food. The chef prepared our food right in front of us moving with haste and remaining energetic. He appeared to be proud of his concoctions and moved to the rhythm of the street. In this way, it felt like the market and streets themselves were breathing with energy and good vibes. While we were eating, another man down the street came dashing out of his tent with an octopus on each fist shaking them and yelling inaudible phrases as ongoers looked at the sea creatures with equal parts curiosity and disgust. This man was putting on a show and grabbing people’s attention so they would flock to his stand and see what he had to offer. Obviously, it worked because soon enough my attention was snatched and I was unknowingly drifting towards that stand. When I turned the corner, I was hit with the smell of fresh grilled fish and smoked meats. Following the ebb and flow of the market we then came upon a fruit stand that was squeezing fresh citrusy fruit into juice. They offered orange, pomegranate and lemon and we watched them press the juice right in front of us. Next, we tried some seafood which included fried octopus (Purpu Vugghiuti), small fried fish (Cicireddu) and fried calamari. I was also surprised by how affordable everything was for such fresh and what seemed like authentic

food. Apparently, the street market has its roots in making the most of available ingredients, often turning simple or leftover items into delicious and satisfying dishes. Additionally, I noticed that behind the tables, people were dancing, screaming and singing. The vendors’ lively personalities were mirrored in their unique, flavorful, and fascinating dishes.

This experience at Ballarò Market was more than just a culinary adventure; it was a lesson in appreciating the little things and venturing out to try new things. The vendors’ joyful attitudes were infectious, leaving me feeling light-hearted and free-spirited. It reminded me of the cliché signs you find in stores like Hobby Lobby, saying “life is short, dance in the kitchen.” While such quotes might seem cringeworthy, the vendors at Ballarò embodied this sentiment, living in the moment, dancing while cooking and cherishing life’s simple pleasures. This was impressive considering the vendors in the market probably live a simple life with a minimum living wage. It reminded me to appreciate the little things, like food that tastes good but also human connection and sharing joy with others. My visit to Ballarò Market in Palermo was a profound experience that extended beyond the food. It was a celebration of culture, human connection, and the joy of living in the moment. The market’s vibrant energy and the vendors’ infectious enthusiasm served as a powerful reminder to savor life’s simple joys, much like the flavorful dishes that had been crafted with love and tradition. If you ever find yourself in Sicily, a visit to Ballarò Market is a must, not just for the food, but for a taste of the true essence of Sicilian life.

-Jordan Brunson, Apparel Merchandising, ’25

Over the past three months, studying abroad has been an enriching experience that has allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, learn a new language, and gain a broader perspective on the world. Italy, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine, has been a popular destination for students studying abroad and immersing themselves in a different environment. During the first couple of weeks here in the program, we took a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) assessment that measured our personal strengths and weaknesses when thrown into a new culture. This particular test split our results up into four different categories: CQ Knowledge, CQ Drive, CQ Action, and CQ Strategy. Before coming on this study abroad excursion, I would’ve thought myself to be someone who was culturally curious and knowledgeable because I liked to travel with my family. My Cultural Intelligence results told a drastically different story. I was surprised to learn that, in fact, I scored very low in cultural knowledge and drive, meaning that I lacked interest and confidence in new situations, shying away from things that weren’t familiar to me. I realized that I was actually unengaged in topics and was more close-minded to a new culture than I would care to admit. After becoming aware of this weakness and having to strip away my pride, I wanted to challenge myself to really understand and embrace what it means to be curious, engage in conversations with people who are different than me, and place more value on what I could learn from those conversations.

After opening my eyes to my needed improvements, studying abroad in Italy has offered me numerous opportunities for personal growth and progress, benefiting me in life going forward. Having to navigate unique situations, such as language barriers, has pushed me to immerse myself in a new culture by learning Italian phrases and sayings. In the first two or three weeks we were in Ariccia, doing simple things such as ordering at a restaurant or going to the grocery store, became challenging tasks because I was not familiar with the Italian language. I am far from fluent, but with my awareness of my tendencies in unknown situations and wanting to break those habits, I started to learn how to learn simple phrases and words. While it has made everyday life a lot easier, it has also improved my confidence in learning a different language and elevated my active listening skills, which will have lasting benefits academically and professionally. At home, I rarely had the opportunity to be around different types of people with different backgrounds and walks of life. Despite being uncomfortable at first, being in a new culture has illuminated my need to become more open-minded to new people and realize that learning from others offers the opportunity to become more aware and educated in yourself and the vast world around you. Within this newfound need to become more open-minded, I also discovered a passion for people. During our last weeks in Ariccia, we got to see a peak into some of the livelihoods of the migrants in Rome and listen to Issa’s story of immigrating to Italy. Through his story and seeing the hard work of these migrants, I was exposed to the hardships that a lot of immigrants face in their journey to have a new and better life in Italy. By understanding people’s cultures and how they are different and similar to what I’m familiar with, I have learned that, in retrospect, we are all more similar than we realize, just striving for better. Hearing their stories and seeing their joy and resilience has inspired me to exercise more compassion and empathy toward others in life. Compassion is never something that you can have too much of and listening to these stories awakened the emotion within me.

Studying abroad in Italy has been an eye-opening experience, stripping me of familiarity and what I thought to be true. However, these newfound realizations have also offered many invaluable opportunities for personal growth and maturity, embracing my illuminated weaknesses and being more open-minded to improvements. This experience in Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and dynamic environment, has been transformative, providing me with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, while possessing more of an awareness and drive to extend compassion to those who are different than me.

– Hollen Blalock, Event Management ’25