Sb fall 2014

Stony Brook University

F U A F l o r e n c e U n i v e r s i t y o f t h e A r t s

PATHSPATHSF l o r e n c e I t a l y , F a l l 2 0 1 4

PATHSPATHS

FLORENCE FALL FLORENCE FALL 20142014

This semester’s project focuses on the path of each student through the study abroad experience at FUA. Each student has expressed

something about their experience in Florence through the path chosen to represent their connection to Florence and FUA.

Each path is unique, just as each student is a distinctive individual. However, despite the fact that everyone has had their own personal

passage through Florence, their path has brought them all to the same destination, that is, to becoming a global citizen.

I would like to thank all of the students from the Stony Brook program for their contribution to this project and for all that their experience

has brought to FUA. Although the Fall 2014 session has come to a close, you are all forever part of the FUA community, and I hope that

your path through life brings you back to us one day. I wish you all the best for a bright and fruitful future! Grazie e in bocca al lupo!

M e l i s s a R o s s i

SBU Program Resident Director

Introduction

S t o n y B r o o k U n i v e r s i t y P r o g r a m

F a l l 2 0 1 4

STUDENT PROFILESSTUDENT PROFILES


Teal Marie AlbertraniMajor: Communications

Home University: SUNY Albany

My path through Florence

Borgo Pinti to Corso dei Tintori. I realized

this was my path when I had my first week

of classes. I take this class mostly every

day, whether it is going to class, going to

get some tasty gelato, buying stamps at

a convenient store on Corso dei Tintori,

sitting at Piazza Santa Croce, or going to

Mass at the beautiful Church. During this

short nine minute walk I pass several cafes,

lunch spots, and the massive Santa Croce,

so the walk always seems to go quickly.

My most memorable moment at FUA was

When I had my first week of classes. It finally

hit me that I am officially studying abroad and

taking part in an incredible experience. When

my first week of classes was over, I was able

to take in all the information about my week

and realize what my classes would be like.

The best class/instructor at FUA was

Special Events Management, with Prof.

Daniele Onori. When I enrolled for this class

I was told that it is a graduate level class

and that it is difficult. However, my professor

is very intelligent and enjoys teaching this

class. I get to experience planning a themed

dinner for Ganzo in this class, and become

very hands on with event planning. This

gives me a taste of event management in

the real world.

My favorite Italian word is

“Arrivederci”. It means good-bye, good day,

and farewell. I like this word simply because

of how it sounds. It is catchy and fun to say

in my opinion! It is also the very first Italian

word I learned when I was a little girl.

STONY BROOK STONY BROOK UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY

Brad AmannMajor: Finance

Home University: University of Buffalo


Via dei Macci to Apicius. I realized this was

my path when I could barely stay on one

side of road for more than a minute. Every

time I travel down this road there is barely

any space to move. This includes road and

sidewalk. It is such a heavily trafficked route

that I always felt like I was in a lively part of

town. On top of that I pass by some very

Florentine landmarks like Piazza delle Belle

Arti and Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.

Also when I cross over Via dei Servi I get a

stunning view of the Duomo.

My most memorable moment at FUA

came during my first photography project

of the semester. The day before our

assignment was due in class, I went out and

photographed in the plaza behind my house.

I was fairly confused on the specifics of the

project so I did not feel too confident in my

pictures when I presented the following

day. Not all of my photos were liked by my

instructor, but there was one photo of an old

man smoking a cigar that he raved about.

The way he went on describing the details of

the picture made me feel like I was making

strides as a photographer.

My favorite Italian word/phrase is

“Ciao ragazzi”. Even though it is very simple

and basic, I use it just about everywhere I go.

I like it because it reminds me of back home

when I am leaving my deli saying cya later guys.


Nadine ArmaganianMajor: Linguistics and English double major



Borgo Pinti to my favorite farmers market,

Sant Ambrogio, near Santa Croce and right

around the corner from Ganzo.

I realized this was my path when I found

myself preferring to get my groceries here

than at Conad or something. I go a few

times a week and just see what fresh fruits

and vegetables the vendors have that day.

Also, the building at the market with cheese

and bread vendors has amazing food too.

I became a Florentine when

I finally was able to get from one place to

another without using a map or getting lost.

I felt like a part of the community when I was

first able to leave my apartment and know

exactly how to get to where I needed to go.


Prof. Carlotta Dini, who teaches my Tuscan

wine course. She knows a lot about wine and

gives the class a lot of information about how

to taste and appreciate Tuscan wines.


“Prego” - so many meanings and ways to use it!


Nicole CrisalliMajor: Childhood Inclusive Education

Home University: SUNY Fredonia


Borgo Pinti to DIVA, to Piazza deila Signoria,

to Pinos Sandwiches, to Piazza del Duomo,

to the Sant’Ambrogio Market; to Piazza San

Lorenzo.I realized this was my path when I

was looking around me one day and realized

that I knew exactly where I was going and

how to get to my destination. I finally didn’t

need a map or GPS to tell me where I was

going because I go to these places every

day. It’s just a constant circle of me going to

one place to the next.


I was coming home from my first weekend

away from traveling. We were getting off the

bus at Santa Maria Novella after a seven hour

bus ride and thought to myself, “It feels so

good to finally be home”. It never felt so good

to be back in Florence, where I lived, go to

school, walk the streets without using a huge

map. It made me realize that I finally felt at

home and that I was a part of the community.


When we were going over hand gestures

in my Cultural Perspectives class because

Prof. Volpe was trying to teach us all the

different hand gestures that are used in Italy

and everyone is butchering them and just

laughing and joking around them.

Items checked off my Florence bucket list :

Rubbing the boar’s nose, just sitting on

the steps of the Duomo and taking it all in,

wandering around the city for hours, finding

cute, little cafes that aren’t touristy, and

finding a piazza to sit in and relax.


Lindsey BowenMajor: Psychology

Home University: SUNY Cortland


Borgo Pinti as I run through the city for exercise

and enjoyment. I realized this was my path

when two weeks after my arrival in Florence

and after several unsuccessful attempts

at running in the city, I realized I could not

navigate traffic, bikes, and pedestrians safely.

On a walk where I purposefully got myself

lost, I discovered this path and decided that

would be perfect for a safe and efficient run,

where I could let off stress.


Walking into one of my classes on a casual

Tuesday and thinking “this is exactly where

I’m meant to be in life right now”.

Items checked off my Florence bucket list:

Visit the top of Piazzale Michaelangelo

Visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Galleria

dell’Accademia, and the Palazzo Pitti; Get

lost Oltrano and find my way back; Taking

new routes home every day and discovering

new things each time; Visit surrounding

towns and areas of the Tuscan countryside


“Firenze, ti amo”.


Milly ElgotMajor: Environmental Studies, European Studies Minor

Home University: Stony Brook University


Via Della Vigna Nuova to Florence Cathedral,

Piazza del Duomo. I realized this was my

path when I began taking this path almost

every day to either get to class or meet up

with friends. Also, Piazza della Repubblica

is on the way, and that is my favorite Piazza.

It’s beautiful and there are different people

playing music there every night; it just has

so much life in it.


During my Florence Sketchbook class; each

class we go to a different Florence location

and sketch, but the most memorable time

was when we went to Piazza Santa Croce.

It was most memorable, because we sat

down on the steps of the Basilica Santa

Croce and sketched as a musician in the

Piazza was playing music. Everything about

it - the music, the view - made me feel like I

was in a movie.


My Intermediate Italian class taught by Prof.

Marta Russo. This class was my favorite,

because Marta is the absolute best teacher.

She’s incredibly helpful and patient, and she

is the sweetest. She genuinely wants us to

learn Italian and be able to go out and use

it every day.


“grazie mille”, because mille sounds like my

name, and it’s funny to hear “Grazie mille, Milly”


Nicholas FazioMajor: Economics



Via Montanelli to via De Macci. This is where

the journey ends as I arrive at my friend’s

apartment.

I realized this was my path when at the end

of week one here in Florence, I had made

the walk down this path more than two

times every day. I became close friends with

the people who live there and I knew this

was my path because I realized I made my

friends for the semester and this is where I

was going to be hanging out very frequently.


My father visited me from home. He came

here to visit for a week, and this was when

I realized I had really learned the city and

I was proud to walk my dad around and

show him everything I had learned about the

place. Walking him around giving my best

version of a tour of the city, I knew I felt at

home here and I was happy to be living here

for the next few months.


Global Economy taught by Andrea Giuntini.

I have never had a teacher in my three

years of college who has taught with such

enthusiasm. The topics discussed in the

class are very interesting, and Andrea is

very interested in hearing our opinions on

everything. He loves when we disagree with

an opinion and have a debate in class, and

that is something I really appreciate in a

class and from a teacher.


“Grazie mille”. I like to be able to express the

extent to which I am pleased with a product or

service and this is the perfect phrase for that.


Lauren FillerMajor: Political Science

Home University: Binghamton University


Apicius to Via dell’Alloro, with a stop at the

Mercato Centrale.

I realized this was my path when I realized

how lucky I am to be able to take what I’m

learning in my food class and then use that

knowledge to buy food at a fresh market.

I love to pick up fish, fresh pasta, and

different seasonal vegetables. Even though

this path is through a touristy area when I

walk into the central market I feel like I am a

part of the local culture.


I began to volunteer at the Orti Dipinti (the

community garden) through the community

outreach program, I am able to connect with

local Florentines and feel like I am a part of

their community rather than an observer.

When we all work together, I don’t feel

like I’m a foreigner in someone else’s city-

rather we are all working together towards

a common goal.


Florence Sketchbook. Each day we learn a

little bit about art history and some drawing

techniques, then leave FUA to spend

most of the class at different locations

around the city drawing. While I’ve taking

art classes before, I’ve never had such a

unique opportunity like this to be able to

see and draw first hand famous buildings,

sculptures, etc.


Meeting local Florentines, climbing to the

top of the Duomo, going to a soccer game,

traveling around Tuscany.


Christopher GarciaMajor: Business Economics



Via Dell’Angolo to Via Giuseppe Verdi to

Pino’s, a great local sandwich/deli spot.

I realized this was my path when it became a

weekly routine that I do with my housemates

every Friday that we are here in Firenze. I

went there for the first time with a friend and

It was love at first bite. We had such a great

Friday the first time we got Pino’s so we

decided to make it part of our Friday routine

whenever we weren’t traveling. My first time

there I was so overwhelmed by how many

sandwich choices there were and I was very

pleased with the first one I chose and from

then on this have been my path.


My parents came to visit. It was such an

indescribable feeling of accomplishment

and belonging to be able to guide my family

around Firenze without hesitation. When

they wanted to go to a certain shop, I knew

where it was, took them to all the typical

tourist spots, but when I took them to my

favorite local spots away from the tourist

was the best part.


The first day of classes when I realized

everything I had worked towards and put

effort into came true. After a long summer

with two classes and all the paperwork and

effort I put in just to be able to come here

had paid off was my favorite moment here

at FUA.


Alessandro Giudice, I don’t have a favorite

class in all honesty but he teaches two of the

four classes I am in and I like his injection of

real world experience in economics into the

class room. Back in the states, I feel professors

only worry about teaching by the book so it’s a

nice change with Professor Giudice.


Alyssa Gatto Major: Psychology



Via Monte alle Croci to the train station, then

the tram all the way to the Aldo Moro stop.

Here my Italian family greets me and drives

me to their home.

I realized this was my path when I went to

meet my family. This path takes me home,

to the Italian family who has taken me in as

one of my own. I love going there because

it lets me get out of the city and experience

the public transportation system in Florence.


Marta Russo is (hands down) the best

teacher I’ve ever had. Not only is she patient

and kind, but she is so knowledgeable

about the English language, which is

very challenging. She is able to help me

understand the intricacies of the Italian

language, while managing to help me adjust

to the cultural differences. I don’t think I

would be comfortable using my language

skills if it wasn’t for the confidence Prof.

Russo has given me. She is a wonderful

teacher and all around person.


“Non lo so, ma…” I never know what is

going on when I attempt to speak Italian

here, so I love to say I don’t know, but then

give it a shot anyway.


Megan GrahamMajor: International Relations, Minor: Psychology



Past Fort Belvedere and along the city walls.

I walked this path on my way to dinner with

my Italian Family Club family and it was the

most beautiful walk I’ve taken so far.

I realized this was my path when I looked

out into the Tuscan Hills and saw the sun

setting over them. I felt like I was in one of

the most beautiful places in the world and

like I was truly in the middle of Europe, I

really enjoyed the views and the walk.


I was able to go to a super market for the

first time alone and only communicate in

Italian, it may seem small but it made me

feel more like an Italian and less of a tourist.


Attending the vegetarian five-course

dinner at ganzo; this was one of my most

memorable nights because I share great

food with new friends I have met here in

Florence. It was great to get dressed up and

all bond over some amazing dishes, I look

forward to going back to another themed

dinner.


“Piacere” because this trip has been full

of new introductions. It feels applicable

because it really has been nice to meet

people from such a different culture and

place and I am grateful to be able to do so.


Rachel HonisMajor: Sociology and Communication

Home University: SUNY Geneseo


Borgo Pinti to Piazzale Michelangelo.

I realized this was my path when I repeated

it multiple times. It takes me about twenty

minutes to walk from my apartment to the

Piazzale, and the hill can be difficult, but

the view at the top is well worth the walk.

At home, there isn’t a place that offers the

same breath-taking view as the Piazzale. My

favorite time to go is at sunset because the

scenery is incomparable with the Duomo

and the Ponte Vecchio, as well as the

Tuscan hills. Even though I have been there

many times, the view still doesn’t seem

real. I want to take advantage of the sight

of the beautiful city I get to call home for

four months.


The FUA trip to the northern part of Italy

in Modena on a class field trip. We visited

a Parmesan cheese factory, a balsamic

vinegar factory and a parma ham factory. At

each place, we learned about the process

of each staple in Italian cuisine. We also

had a taste testing of each product, and I

have never tasted food so fresh. It was an

experience I will never forget.


The Cultural Perspectives class. This class

is very helpful as I try and adjust to this

foreign culture. Before coming here, the

only thing I knew about Italy was based off

of stereotypes. This class helps explain why

things are the way they are. We cover a wide

range of topics and I have learned things

about this country that I wouldn’t have

otherwise. Furthermore, we have city walks

every week, which helps me understand the

history of Florence, and is a great hands on

experience.


“Va bene”, which translates to very good.

One of my professors interchanges

between English and Italian sometimes, and

whenever she is changing topics, she uses

this phrase. Since she says it so often, I

find myself saying it to my friends outside of

class. I hope to make it a habit and continue

to use it even after I’ve left Italy.


Pengzhan JingMajor: Economics



Borgo Pinti to Via dell’ Oriuolo. I realized this

was my path when I went to school every

day and I brought food to market. When I am

hanging out in Florence, I see many tourists.

I really want to say that I a not a tourist and I

am living here. I am a part of Florence.


I went to school every day and I brought

food from the market.


Cultural Perspectives, with Prof. Jessica

Volpe. She is really nice and she always

smiles at me.


Learning to cook Italian food.


Oksana KachmarchykMajor: Business Major Management Specialization, Writing Minor, International Studies Minor


My Path through Florence

Borgo Pinti to Apicus I realized this was my

path when I understood that on the way to

Apicius, where my classroom is located, I

get to see all of Florence. There are all the

little café’s and trattorias. I pass a few hair

salons where women are getting their hair

done. I pass a hospital, a church, and even a

McDonald’s. There is a building that is covered

in dollar bills to my left. And a few tourists

that I occasionally bump into. Everyday the

road is alive with a brand new story.


Massimo Coppetti, a Wine instructor. His

passion and love for wine is so vivid. His

sip vs. shot theory has really stuck with

me. He has taught us to sip the wine from

our glass while we appreciate life as it is.

By sipping we are not rushing through life

but living more in the moment each and

everyday. Taking a shot we speed things

up without noticing what is right in front of

us. Prof. Coppetti asked us when do people

drink wine: for dinner, for relaxation, for

celebrations. He has asked us why can’t

everyday be a celebration?


Buying jewelry from Italy, going on a wine

tasting tour, taking beautiful Tuscany

photos, eating some gelato, having gnocchi

for the first time, eating lots of cheese, and

tasting 100 year-old balsamic vinegar.


Buon giorno which means good morning.

Every morning I will pass an Italian and they

will say Buon giorno and automatically I’d

have a smile on my face for the rest of the day.


Gary LambMajor: Business Major



Via de Macci to the Duomo. I realized this

was my path when I would take frequent

walks to the Duomo. The Duomo is by far

my favorite landmark here in Florence. It

blows my mind that something as big as the

Duomo was made so long ago. There were

no machines to get the materials for the

building so high in the air, just all manpower,

and that amazes me.


I realized that someone asked me for

directions. I realized after it happened that

I had been doing the same thing, asking for

directions approximately two weeks before

that. It felt good to know that I knew my

way around and that I must not have looked

completely like a tourist.


The Italian American experience with Prof.

Umberto Gori. I like this class because I feel

as it is directed towards students just like

me. It tells us how Italians and Americans

mixed in the past, and the differences

between the two cultures. It is interesting

to see how different Italian-Americans are,

than Italians.


“Salve” because I can say it at any part of

the day. I just like the simplicity of the word,

and that it is has more importance than you

would think.


Steven MartimucciMajor: Geology



Santa Croce to Via Guelfa and Fedora.

I realized this was my path when I make this

trip every morning as a part of my every day

routine. I go to class and get lunch at fedora

afterwords. It feels weird on days that I don’t

do this because I’m so used to it.


I started being able to hold full conversations

with Italian locals and be successful. For

example, I went to the barber and had a full

one on one conversation in nothing but Italian.

I understood every word and replied correctly.


Order food correctly, hold conversations

in Italian correctly, give directions in Italian

correctly, be mistaken for a local.


“Allora” It’s such a common word and can

make a huge difference when used in a

conversation.


Joslyn MatthewsMajor: Journalism



Borgo de Noche to Piazza Santa Croce.

From there I make my way to school.

I realized this was my path when I decided

that walking past the Duomo and Piazza

della Signoria was too much of a hassle.

The tourists and vendors clog what would

otherwise be a nice scenic walk to school.

So I now frequent a more simple way to

make my way around Florence.


I realized that I had a favorite café and am

now a regular customer there with a regular

order.


When I got two pieces published in the

schools newsletter Blending. The newsletter

provides a good opportunity to further my

journalistic ability while abroad.


Carlotta Forasassi who teaches beginning

piano. I was completely new to playing any

kind of instrument but with her help I quickly

learned the basics of how to play piano.

She had patience with me despite how bad

I was at everything.


Italo OliveiraMajor: Communication

Home University: SUNY Buffalo


Borgo San Frediano to SQUOLA/Piazza del

Duomo.

I realized this was my path when I noticed

that going from my side of the bridge

towards the Duomo you are able to see a lot

of what Italy has to offer for someone who is

new to this place. This path shows the local

side of Florence (Borgo San Frediano) all the

way to the most touristy area (Duomo) in a

matter of 15 minutes.


I went to the Fiorentina Soccer Game. The

atmosphere, the people singing, chanting,

and pushing the team towards victory made

me feel like I was part of something bigger

than myself. I will never forget that day and

the feeling I had during that whole match.


When my Italian Soccer Experience class

went to the Italian Soccer Museum; we got

to meet one of the legendary Italian soccer

trainers and we got to see so much history.


“Ah che bello!” “Bravo!”


Ariel PhillipsMajor: Psychology

Home University: SUNY Plattsburgh


I run towards the river from Via Verdi, across

the Ponte alle Grazie Bridge and towards

Viale dell’Albereta until it turns into grass

and I can’t go any further.

I realized this was my path when I found

myself not even thinking, and running this

way. Also, it’s one part of Florence that I

have seen with fallen leaves, and it makes

me feel like I’m home in autumn.


The first time I went into a business and

ordered a smoothie in Italian. Granted the

names are in English, I was still so proud

and excited that I used what I had learned

in Italian class.


Everything Chocolate: From Therapy to

Pleasure, taught by Stefania Borgioli. Not

only was this class delicious and super

fun, but also it was extremely interesting!

Prof. Borgioli really got me interested in

the process of making chocolate, from the

cacao plantations, to the factories. So much

so that I want to further my knowledge and

experience, and look into other programs or

even jobs that might offer that.

My favorite Italian word/phrase is Word

Ariellina (little Ariel) Phrase: “La solitudine è

per lo spirito ciò che il cibo è per il corpo”

(“Loneliness is for the spirit what food is for

the body”).


Jenna PoplauskyMajor: Mechanical Engineering

Home University: Duke University


Via Verdi to the Duomo. I realized this was

my path because I walk that route every day.

The Duomo is the center of the city. It is a

great meeting point and there is so much

to do in the area. A day will never go by

when you don’t venture pass the Duomo,

and every time it is still just as breathtaking

as it was the first time.


I figured out how to send mail at the post

office, even though none of the attendants

spoke English and my Italian was still pretty

shaky. I had no idea which booth to go to,

or how to say stamp in Italian, but I was able

to figure it out.


Getting to play soccer with Italian

professional soccer players in the Soccer

Experience class. Soccer has always

been a passion of mine, and I could have

never imagined having the opportunity to

learn from some of the best players in the

country. It was also a very unique way to

learn about Italian culture and be integrated

into the community.


Coach Fabrizio Polloni, my soccer professor.

Coach Polloni is one of the most intelligent

soccer coaches I know. He knows so much

about the game and has dedicated his

whole life to playing and coaching. I can

easily say that his class has been the best

class I have ever taken.


Tania RahmanMajor: English



The opposite way from the Duomo, down

Borgo Pinti to the Community Garden, where

I enjoy sitting and writing in my journal.

I realized this was my path when I decided

to take a stroll one Wednesday afternoon

when I was class-free. I was determined to

get lost in Florence, but outside of the city

center, which is why I walked away from the

Duomo down my block. I was walking down

random, unfamiliar streets, discovering new

shops, cafes, and stores, until I wound

up back onto Borgo Pinti somehow. This

path is great because it leads to the park,

includes bike paths, and has far less people

than the main area.


I understood that the feeling that had settled

itself upon me was that of comfort. It took

far less time than I anticipated adjusting to

my new home; in fact, I had expected to feel

a low level of homesickness all the way to

the end of this semester. Instead, I found

myself casually pointing out directions to

passersby who asked me for the location

of a certain Piazza or a recommendation for

lunch.


International Marketing with Elena Radicchi.

As an English major, I don’t often take

classes that veer off from the paths of famous

literature, and I always enjoy learning things

that challenge my perspective on various

fields. Prof. Radicchi does a great job

engaging the class’ interest in the reading

material, as well as coming up with activities

that allow us to interact with one another

and gain a real feel for marketing. She also

does well in making sure we are on top of

our work by giving us assignments that are

both relevant to our readings and interesting

to do.


My goal for the semester was to do as many

activities that locals engage in as possible,

although some of the things coincide with

what tourists like to do. So far I have visited

multiple secret bakeries throughout the

night, as well as visits to cafes and parks

outside of the city center.


Mallory RothsteinMajor: Psychology



Via Maggio to sQuola in Via dell’Oriulo. I

realized this was my path when I had been

so used to taking that path so many times

that it became automatic for me to use that

path as a way to cross over the river and

go wherever I needed to go even if it wasn’t

to sQuola. This path has street art with my

favorite one on it and I can name a ton of

restaurants/places to go on this path, which

for many other paths, I can’t do.


I was coming back from the Amalfi Coast

and all I wanted was to fall asleep in my

bed. I actually looked forward to being in my

apartment again and knew exactly how to

get home from the train station. I also have

felt like a Florentine when Italians ask me for

directions because I feel like it means they

think I’m from around here!


When I got to do a wine tasting for the first

time in my Exploration of Wine Culture in

Italy class. It took us the first time an hour

to analyze one glass of wine! I never knew

how much goes into a wine analysis and all

the components that one can analyze from

a glass of wine. I will never forget that class

because everyone in the class was having

so much fun despite it taking forever and I

think I learned the most about wine during

that class.


To go to a Fiorentina soccer game, go to a

secret bakery, be able to order something all

in Italian, and visit all the museums at least

once with my museum pass.


Benjamin SchantzMajor: Clinical Lab Science



Borgo San Frediano to Piazza Santo Spirito.

I realized this was my path when my

roommates and I went there one night on a

whim. We were still new to the city, and we

didn’t really know the better places to go

as far as night life goes. But, we had heard

about Santo Spirito and decided to go there

and check it out. When we got there, I was

immediately enamored. The people were

mostly speaking Italian with a few speaking

English, but that was not even my favorite

part. What I loved most about it was that

the atmosphere, although can seem crazy,

is actually very calm.


I went to a Fiorentina soccer game. Calcio,

as like anywhere else, is a game where the

fans are passionate. They yell at each other

and say some very choice words. It was

such a great experience, one that everyone

must try, even if they are not a soccer fan.

I felt like a Florentine because my friends

and I started yelling at the other team and

the other team’s fans.


Gelato, The Duomo, The David, The Uffizi

Gallery, going to a secret bakery.


“Dove state andando?”


Fiona TarzyMajor: Philosophy, Politics, and Law

Home University: SUNY Binghamton


Borgo Pinti to sQuola in Via dell’ Oriuolo.

I realized this was my path when I noticed

how unique the street is. At home, I live on

a completely residential block. In Florence,

Borgo Pinti is swamped with artistry,

clothing stores, restaurants, gardens,

pharmacies, and wine stores. Unlike a

normal commercial area, the stores are only

open on occasion. This meant that every

time I walked down the seemingly familiar

block I found new stores and shop owners.

This block has all the bustle with none of the

hustle. The plethora of stores do not stop

the block from being a one way dead end.

Borgo Pinti has all the charm of a small,

relatively quite block, with all the excitement

of a street with a lot of life and things to do.

I became a Florentine when I was

Able to navigate my way home without using

the Duomo as my starting point. I had just

come back from the local Conad to do my

weekly grocery shopping. An Italian stopped

me to ask for directions. I can not speak

Italian or get around. They wanted to know

where Conad was, which I was able to help

them with! I pointed in the right direction,

responded “Prego” to their “Grazie” and

used my adrenaline to find my way home.


On a sunny fall afternoon, my friends and

I gathered in the court yard behind school

after class. The relaxed quite environment

in the school allowed us to read for class,

make travel plans, and enjoy the Florentine

beauty.


“Come si dice”. This is the most useful

phrase I have learned. Locals understand

not every American can speak Italian, but

they appreciate the effort. When I use this

at the market or in the streets Italians are

warmer and more willing to help.


Danielle TinghitellaMajor: Psychology

Home University: SUNY Geneseo


Via Maggio to Piazzale di Porta Romana and

the park.I realized this was my path when

my friends and I discovered the park when

we were walking around the city and we

spent the rest of the day sitting in the park

relaxing. There were a lot of Italians here

sitting on the benches or watching their

dogs as they ran around in the park. It is a

nice place to take a break from the chaos of

the city and all of the tourists.


I went food shopping and found all of the

items I needed even though it was difficult

with the language difference. When the

worker in the grocery store initially spoke to

me in Italian, not automatically recognizing

that I was American like so many other

Italians do, it made me feel like I was

beginning to integrate with the culture.


I have climbed to the top of the Piazzale

Michelangelo, eaten tons of gelato, gotten

Gusta Pizza, sat in a piazza and spoke to

Italians students, visited the Boboli Gardens

and the Palazzo Pitti and learned some Italian.


Marco TutinoMajor: Communications in Filmmaking

Home University: Le Moyne College


B o r g o S a n F r e d i a n o t o P i a z z a l e

M i c h e l a n g e l o . I r e a l i z e d t h i s w a s m y

path when I arrived at the top of the hill,

overlooking the city. The first time I saw the

amazing view of Florence from this piazza

was Fall 2012, visiting my sister when she

studied abroad. Being that it is my turn and I

live only 10 minutes away, I realized that this

path was not only aesthetically beautiful but

also nostalgic for me.


I had lunch at I Cartuccio on my block,

San Frediano. I spoke with Renato, one of

the owners of the restaurant. Although my

italian wasnt perfect we had a simple and

friendly conversation. He asked where I am

staying for the time that I am here, I told him

right on this block and he said, “Ahh! Sei

uno San Fredianino!”


Intro to Digital Photography with Enrica

Quaranta.

I have a pretty good understanding of digital

photography but this class helps me to

sharpen my skill set and learn more about

photography in general and photo editing.


Pinos, Top of the Duomo, The David,

Boboli Gardens, Buying a bike, Traveling to

Scandicci and Galluzzo.


Devan ValorosoMajor: Journalism


My path through Florence Gomitolo del Oro to Piazza dell’ Indipendenza. I realized this was my path when on the days where I don’t have anything to do I go to the Piazza dell’ Indipendenza. It’s become my go to spot in all of Florence, partly because of location, partly because of convenience, but mostly because it’s a place where I can turn the world off and just reflect. It’s actually kind of ironic that this piazza has become “my place” because I had stumbled upon it my first night in Florence just hours after my arrival. I hadn’t found it again until about three weeks after, but that second time I found it, laid down on the grass for hours and stared at the sky I knew that this was my physical path here in Florence.

I became a Florentine when I felt like Florentine’s recognized me as Florentine, I felt like I recognized myself as

Florentine and I felt like Florence recognized me as Florentine. I had walked to Parco delle Cascine in search of the piscina, but when I got there I found that it was closed. I found myself in this huge festival filled with Florentines. I spent the day there by myself just observing and taking part in the action. As I stood up against the fence as the horse riders rode past me carrying the Italian flag, as tradition Italian music pierced the area, as children smiled with utter excitement, as I stood amongst the people that were born here I couldn’t help but feel like I belonged. This place was no longer a place where I was studying, a place that I was visiting, but a place that I could call my home.


The first day here in Florence. The entire Stony Brook program went on a sightseeing walk after orientation and we ended up at Gusta Pizza. Although we didn’t know each

other, it was so much fun. Looking back, it’s so amazing to think about the thoughts that were going through my head, the grandeur of the city, the expectations that I had for the trip and the people I would meet and the perceptions that I had of each of them because the people that I’ve met through FUA’s Stony Brook Program have become my best and closest friends here. They say in order to know where you’re going you have to remember where you came from, and it makes all the sense now.

Items checked off my Florence bucket list: Climbing to the top of the Piazza del Duomo, watching a sunset from the top of the Michaelangelo, going to Cinque Terre, seeing and swimming in water the color of the sky, trying authentic Italian pizza, traveling to the Amalfi Coast, going to Pompei (it’s been a dream of mine since the 3rd grade), Meet people from all over the world, ride a Vespa, Tuscan wine tasting, try gelato.


Ilana WolfMajor: Clinical Health Studies/Physical Therapy

Home University: Ithaca College


From my apartment to the San Lorenzo

Market I realized this was my path when

One day I came out a different way than I

thought I was when coming back from the

market. I had no idea where I was going but

I knew the general direction. I followed my

instinct of which streets to take and then

shortly after I realized I was already on my

street. I feel like this happens a lot when

walking around Florence-you may not know

exactly how to get somewhere and

you can even get lost on the way, but in the

end you always find where you have to go. I

now take this way back every time.

I became a Florentine when I was

Able to go to the market and get all my

groceries, rather than going to Conad, and

speak in Italian (as best I can). I also feel

part of the community when I go running

and I pass other Florentines running.


Volunteering at the St. James Food Bank.

Getting to taste one hundred year old

balsamic vinegar on a class field trip was

also really cool.


Going to a non-touristy place without using

a map to get there, watching the sunset at

Piazza Michelangelo and getting a sandwich

from All’Antico Vinaio.


Veronica WendyMajor: English, Italian, Legal Studies

Home University: SUNY Buffalo


Via dello Sprone to sQuola.

I realized this was my path when I knew

which part of the cobblestone dipped lower

than the others. I knew the exact location

where I should avoid twisting my ankle. I

wouldn’t have to look down anymore to

watch the ground, I just knew where to step.


The first time I had a group project with my

now good friends. We really bonded over

a little group project that was due in a few

hours. Luckily, we all worked together and

pulled together an assignment that was

pretty good. I didn’t expect group projects

to bring together some of my closest friends

now. I’ve recently gone on some day trips

with them, and I am so glad I’ve met them.


“Ci vediamo!” I love saying it because of the

way it rolls of your tongue!

Stony BrookUniversity

FLORENCE ITALYFLORENCE ITALYFALL 2014 PROGR AMFALL 2014 PROGR AM

CREDITS

Photo Credits: Silvia Mancini & David WiessPhoto Credits: Silvia Mancini & David Wiess

Project Coordinator: Melissa RossiProject Coordinator: Melissa Rossi

Stony BrookStony BrookUniversity ProgramUniversity Program

Fall 2014 Class:Fall 2014 Class:

Albertrani TealAlbertrani Teal

Amann BradAmann Brad

Armaganian NadineArmaganian Nadine

Bowen LindseyBowen Lindsey

Crisalli NicoleCrisalli Nicole

Elgott MillyElgott Milly

Fazio NicholasFazio Nicholas

Filler LaurenFiller Lauren

Garcia Christopher Garcia Christopher

Gatto AlyssaGatto Alyssa

Graham MeganGraham Megan

Honis Rachel Honis Rachel

Jing PengzhanJing Pengzhan

Kachmarchyk OksanaKachmarchyk Oksana

Lamb Gary Lamb Gary

Martimucci StevenMartimucci Steven

Matthews Joslyn Matthews Joslyn

Oliveira Italo Oliveira Italo

Phillips ArielPhillips Ariel

Poplausky JennaPoplausky Jenna

Rahman TaniaRahman Tania

Rothstein MalloryRothstein Mallory

Schantz BenjaminSchantz Benjamin

Tarzy Fiona Tarzy Fiona

Tinghitella DanielleTinghitella Danielle

Tutino MarcoTutino Marco

Valoroso Devan Valoroso Devan

Wendy VeronicaWendy Veronica

Wolf IlanaWolf Ilana

Sb fall 2014

Documents

Transcript of Sb fall 2014