Our Italian Family

June 2011, we boarded a plane to embark on one of the greatest trips of our lives. We left as friends, acquaintances, and strangers, but we returned as a family; our Italian Family. For many of us, this trip meant stepping out of our box, leaving home, and trying new things. For all of us, it meant an experience of a lifetime. While the culinary and art students traveled the French and Italian Riviera, enjoying the beach, changes of culture, and the company of five fabulous mentors, the fitness students immersed themselves in the great city of Firenze, studying fitness, nutrition, Italian cooking and photography and learning from inspiring professionals. For these six weeks, we not only grew as individuals, but we grew together in our knowledge, experience, and as a family. This memory book is for you, a member of this family, so you can look back and remember the amazing times we all had together.

Josiah AbbottIt’s not about the places you go, but

the people you go with.

Jen AdamsThis experience was life changing... so much that I sold all of my belongings and returned to Florence to study photography for another year. This opportunity opened many doors and fostered great friendships.

Jameka Bassette

Caitlyn DabbsOur time together was short, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Sapphire Garcia

Alex Escamilla

Adam ConsidineEven now I miss Italy dearly, I dream about it every night.” The best time of my life went by too quickly and I wish that I could go back there every single day that Ive been gone...

Liz BlumeNo one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.

Brian Gardner I will never forget Fabrizio’s obsession with the “mesociclo”

which is the italian translation for mesocycle, a 1 month training cycle. When we started at the internship

we would jokingly tell on another, “better get int he gym and perfect your mesociclo.

Charlie Huber

Fred Javier live on purpose

Jessica Kantak We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everyhwere.”

Emily KundertMy favorite thing about Italy

was the people - those who I traveled with as well as the natives

I had the opportunity to meet while traveling. It was through these people that I learned what it truly meant to be Italian and it was with these people that I had an amazing time.

James MacPhail

Melissa LeeMy study abroad experience has been one of the most amazing things I have done to date. The places we visited were spectacular

Chanelle Kennedy

Lauren Marquez

Kayla McCaigAlways keep an open mind and a compassionate heart. Take the chances that come your way because in them you gain the best experiences and meet the best of friends.

Maria MunozBella Signorina!!

Martha Negrete

Kirsten Rextroat“life is not about the breaths we take, but the moments that take

our breath away.”

Rachel Schuttler“Time spent drinking with friends

plays a big part in education..”

Karen Salazar

Victoria PerkinsWhat is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.

Jessica Skupien Experience, travel - these are

education in themselves

Julie SzimonLa Dolce Vita

John Urbanczyk

Lawrence Washington My memorable moment in Italy: Jessica Kantak serenading me with “Amazing Grace” during a power outagein the Apartment. I didn’t know that small white women could sound like the big fat church lady.

Where we have gone. . .

Florence

Italia

n - French Riviera

Forte die Marmi

Pietrasanta

Grasse

Rome

Pisa

Venice

St. Paul

Antibes Arles

NiceRecco

Menton

Viareggio

Good times are better when shared

Just kickin’ it

Bagno Stefanella

Gonzo

Lorenzo Manuel

Our Mentors

Grace David Gabriella Massimo Shelley

David & Gabriella

Massimo

Luna

People we met along the wayCedric

Filippo

Shelley &Grace

Gilda

La CapanninaForte die Marmi

Luna