To begin, I'll tell how it began. In December 2011 I graduated from Seattle University with a BA in English and a minor in Italian Language, and I found myself asking the time-old question of every college graduate: "What am I going to do now?" Jobs were scarce, I didn't have a clue where to begin looking, and I could not shake the feeling of needing something more than a career. Being out of school, out of the classroom was a strange change of pace for me, and I found myself desiring something that would feed my mind and not just my wallet. So I decided it was the perfect time for me to finally utilize both degrees by teaching abroad. I wanted to be able to do something to help build my resume (possibly for a future career in teaching), but I also wanted to improve my Italian speaking skills. There are not many people in Seattle to sit and have a conversation with in Italian. I spent several months researching various programs in all sorts of fields (au pairs, TEFL certifications, work abroad). The Center for Cultural Interchange Greenheart Travel program came up in my research. They have what is called a Language Exchange Program. For up to three months, I would live with a family in Italy as their private English tutor. While I would not be paid, I would be given a roof over my head, food on my plate, and a family to immerse myself in culture with. I know, right? It could not have been more perfect. Needless to say, I applied to the program, was quickly accepted, and for the last six months have been anxiously awaiting my departure. There were a few bumps along the way however. The family I was originally placed with six months ago cancelled just before the holidays due to a family emergency. All I can say about that is I am thankful I followed my gut and did not buy my plane ticket yet. Then there was the issue of finances that constantly plagues the back of my mind. I have student loans to pay, I will not be making any money, and I will most likely be broke by the end of this. While this may seem a folly worry, I think it is safe to say others would feel the same apprehension I felt. I am more nervous about life after I come home than I am about leaving to a foreign country. That being said, I think my gains, while none of monetary value, will be worth for more than a few paychecks will ever buy me.
So, have I completely lost you yet? Are you asleep at your computer? Or are you wondering still why the hell I am writing all of this? Well, I suppose I'm writing this hoping that readers will get some value out of it. I promise will not simply rant or rave about my life, but try to relate with others' struggles or inspire them to travel or fulfill one of their longtime dreams or maybe, just maybe, show people that there are treasures in this world (both corporeal and incorporeal) that remain unseen by veiled eyes and closed minds. Therefore, I am putting my worries of the so-called "real world" aside and I am going to enjoy being young, being alive, and having a hungry mind to be fed in Catania, Sicily, Italy.
A presto
