Hello, My Name Is...

Countdown: 73 Days Before Departure

For my non-family and friends who are curious about what is going on here, I thought I would provide some basic info about what's coming.

My name is Jackie.  I'm a Junior at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY where I'm double majoring in Classical Languages and English Literature.  Next semester I am setting off for Rome to study abroad.  Unfortunately as my school is rather small, it did not have an abroad program in Rome (or Italy at all), so I will be studying with the Trinity College program there. (My Latin professor is heartbroken I am not going with the Classics intensive ICCS program.  Sorry, Professor)

So, why Rome?  Well for one, I, as a Classicist, I get simply silly with the idea of exploring ancient cultures.  I considered Greece as well on this count, but realized I would prefer to take weekend trips to Greece rather than spend four months there.  For another, Italy is at the very top of my 'Places To Go' list.  I won't call myself spoiled, because I work very hard both academically and economically to be able to do the things I want, but I have definitely lived a privileged life.  My parents made sure that I was well traveled before I went off to college and have already explored France, Spain, England, and Australia.  Now I certainly want to revisit these places, but I want to explore someplace new.  And Italy just has so many places I want to see.  Finally, (though this didn't really play into my decision, but is definitely an added plus), I'm Catholic and I am excited to see the Vatican and cathedrals, and for the religion I will get to experience.

Me personally?  I tend to live in my own world of books and movies and try to escape the skullduggery of college work.  My goal for the coming semester is to live as much in the real world as possible.  Neflix has been cancelled, and any books read had better be done so in cute outdoor cafe sipping a cappuccino.

This blog is going to be my diary of sorts for my adventure through Rome, Italy, and the rest of Europe.  Its to keep my family updated on my well-being (because if you haven't had contact with someone in 7 days, you are assumed dead in my family).  Its to give my friends a study break and let them escape for a minute the lugubrious midstate winter.  Its a place for me to write down everything I'll do so I'll never forget.  If you do not fall into one of these categories, I hope you enjoy and find your own reason to keep coming back.

Be prepared for pictures and posts of anything and everything that catches my attention for the next 6 months.

Ciao
J

So it begins...

Countdown: 74 Days Before Departure

The ticket is booked, the visa application express mailed to my abroad program.  I guess this thing is really happening.

I haven't even packed yet, but I've already learned some things:
1. Do things early (ticket booking, mailing documents, ect). Seems obvious right? Well I always struggle with this concept for some reason.  For one, I have two of the most excellent parents a girl could wish for who always have done most of the heavy lifting in these kinds of situations.  I guess after 2 1/2 years of college its time to learn to take care of yourself
2. If you have very caring supportive parents, share everything with them. Every detail.  I'm serious.  You may have been living across the country from them for the last 3 years, but you are about to leave the country.  Its a whole new set of worries for them.  Let them know you've done your research and are doing everything right.
3. Communication is key.  Make sure everything is order with your registrar, your abroad program (if its separate from your school), your financial department, and all the little things that you need to come back smoothly next year.

Now I've taken care of things states-side, am I ready to start roaming through Rome?
6 years basic Spanish (1 year of which I actually remember)
5 Semesters college level Latin
4 Semesters college level Ancient Greek
0 days any level Italian.

Oops, I guess not.  I guess its time to hit the books.

Ciao
J