As the world rapidly continues on the path of globalization, understanding other cultures and peoples is ever more pressing; my curiosity of lands beyond my immediate surroundings led me to dreams of travel and exploration beyond the United States. My dream was finally realized in Italy: a nation embedded with history in every small village and piazza; it is a proud nation with famed artists, the most delicate wine, and an enduring scope of influence in Europe. As a student entering Italy for the first time, the experience was nothing short of humbling and frightening. Despite many cultural barriers however, I appreciated every day, every blessing, for having been able to travel overseas to learn, observe, and grow. In Italy, I was able to meet with citizens of China, befriend Germans, speak Spanish with South Americans, and integrate Italian culture as a part of my own identity. What made this journey so enriching for me was pushing the cultural barriers to better understand who I am as a student, as a woman, and as an American.

These experiences will influence and propel me forward as I continue to grow and change into the person I wish to be: an informed citizen of global affairs and active participant in culture studies. Because of this trip, I feel much more informed about the socio-political and economic realities facing Italy today and how, as an informed citizen, I am able to bridge the divide between domestic and foreign from the perspective of an American.The knowledge I’ve acquired, the friendships I’ve forged, and the many blessings I’ve received have made my trip to Italy the most momentous experience of my life. I will continue studying, exploring, and traveling, to understand not only Italy, but the world as a whole; for all we speak of nationalities, cultural differences, and social divisions, above all, I am a citizen of the world. I firmly believe that a cosmopolitan mindset is crucial to understanding how we as a people can transition from viewing ourselves not by our divisions but by our strengths. As an aspiring economist, numbers and data can only take one so far, for behind the figures are people who live, breathe, and contribute to the same world we must nurture and protect.Finally, all of this was would not have been possible if it were not for the contribution and scholarly attention that the Thomas W. McCormick Scholarship Fund offers students to pursue their education and careers. I’d like to thank each member of the Board of Directors for their kind generosity. Because of their firm commitment to promoting education and culture, I was able to bring to life my dream of traveling to Italy and studying abroad. Their patronage helped to ease the financial burden tremendously, allowing me the freedom to pursue my studies into the linguistic, historical, and cultural impacts of Italy as a whole. I look forward to helping others also achieve their dreams of studying abroad and giving back to the community which has been generous to me. Thank you.