Author: Tracy Tanner                         Majors: Accounting, Finance, & Information Systems

Acropolis of Athens

This past summer, I was blessed to have spent six weeks traveling around Europe, attending a distinguished study program, and gaining new perspectives both personally and professionally. I was a student in Italy. Frankly, it will not only be difficult to materialize my growth and feelings towards this endeavor but contrastingly, to summarize the CIMBA Program in such a small number of words. I wanted to participate in a program that gave me the freedom to wander and explore as well as a program that tailored to my academic needs and conditions. CIMBA felt as if it was personally tailored to my needs.

My greatest academic achievement was simply in my quest to discover my passion and love for learning once more. In the most recent school year, there developed a lack of passion for academia, a rise of uncertainty and stress in learning, creating, growing. I pride myself as being a student who actually likes to learn. This past season has led my love for learning to subside. I was unaware at the origin point of my journey that the CIMBA program would once again spark my adoration and interest in academia. Therefore, I learned to savor and nurture this passion for as long as I live, to be persistent in my pursuit of knowledge.

First and foremost, the intentional and commanding discussion that often took place in both of my classes here at CIMBA is what has set them apart from those I have taken in the states. The power behind a voice is one not to be underestimated, as through a voice, confidence is fostered. At my home University, not only is hard to be heard in my class lectures because of the mere size, but also, speaking out in class is not as welcomed as it once was. The courses at CIMBA are immersive and intense, created to be discussed with both fact and opinion. This classroom discussion has taught me to push boundaries, to speak out, and to be confident in my thoughts, emotions, and opinions. In Dr. Rapert’s Global Consumer course we have studied a wide range of economic, social, and political tendencies and practices of Italy, China, and numerous African countries. My past self and naivety failed to navigate my attitudes and perceptions of not only other countries but my own as well. This course broadened my understanding and appreciation for the world, as well as tore down ancient and rustic, undeveloped prejudices about differing countries, people and practices. I have been humbled, my eyes have been opened, and my gratefulness has proliferated. Under the study of Dr. Petrone, I grew immensely in my knowledge of law and ethics. We studied several differing court cases, both decided and undecided, and discussed the inner workings of the ethical code and its role in justice. Questions arose whose answers we have been seeking for years as the young minds of our generation attempted to locate the answer or reasoning. This course has led me to greatly appreciate America, justice, freedom as well as inspired me to research law school to see what that could mean for my professional and post-graduate pursuits.

Professionally, I believe an experience such as study abroad is the best thing an individual can partake in to grow and learn. I have enhanced my ability to communicate regardless of nationality, language, intelligence level, age, and/or other obstacles. Communication is key in any and every work context as it is vital for healthy and clear relationships between co-workers, clients, and employers. Also, I have excelled in my ability to make decisions, as you can imagine in a foreign country with twenty-year-old’s and an immensity of independence. Decision making is a game changer, a skill I was greatly dependent on during my time in Italy. The ability to make decisions does not seem complex in concept, but a great strength in making decisions sets employees apart, creates confidence and instills trust.

Alongside my academic studies, I have engaged in many “once in a lifetime” experiences! Those including but not limited to: pasta making in Paderno with Luca, pizza making with the enthusiastic Mr. Saveria, a “survival Italian class” with Professor Michela Marin (which was properly named indeed) and many more. I was fortunate enough to travel across five differing countries. I, myself, cannot even comprehend the sheer number of cultures, languages, foods, and art I witnessed in six short weeks. My travels ranged from the beauty and luxury of the Greek islands with their appeal to the celebrity status and easy-going way of life to the leisure and beauty of Paris in throughout the rainy, tired season to the bustle of activity, movement and music in Spain and the feeling of home every time I would step a foot into Italy.

I would highly recommend this program to other students. Upon reading an article from HBR.org, my experience was clarified. “Social science studies have shown that international experiences can enhance creativity, reduce intergroup bias, and promote career success.” The friendships formed among the students is immeasurable. I was most surprised and grateful for the intelligent, unique friends I have met thanks to this experience. From other universities, majors, different walks of life, and with different goals. I know we have one similar goal and passion: We want to travel the world, seek out adventure and challenge, to test our bravery and our patience, and we are not scared to take the leap of faith. This sense of adventure and of risk is what united us. I wish I had known that the caliber of people I would meet would make leaving that much harder, so I could cherish every moment a little more. The first thing I am going to do when I get home is write and reflect, and of course eat Chick-fil-A. When we become small, the world becomes large.