Author: Izzy Artnak | Major: Supply Chain Management | Semester: Summer 2024
Discovering Frascati: Adventure and new business insights
Studying abroad for one-month in Italy is one of the most influential experiences I’ve had within the scope of a student, a friend, and the professional I aspire to be. I chose the CIMBA program to further my academic journey as I wanted to expand my global perspective from both a personal and educational standpoint. I knew I wanted to reside primarily in Italy, as I took a huge interest in the Renaissance period and art history during high school, and I have always been fascinated with European culture; not to mention my affinity for gelato.
While I was abroad, I was very fortunate to take the Global Consumer class with Molly Rapert (University of Arkansas), as well as Global Economics with Eric Olson (University of Tulsa). I thoroughly enjoyed class discussion in Molly’s class, as we covered material that is not mainstream; yet that will affect the global balance of politics heavily within the next few decades. Discussing China (mainly) and Africa, I was able to understand the gravity of China’s power and their influence both domestically among their people and internationally as they aim to expand their dominance. Olson’s class was also very thought-provoking as we learned about subjects such as: the Financial Crisis of 2008, different macroeconomic theories, and global trade and its effects. Additionally through the CIMBA program, we were able to make class field trips and learn about local businesses within the surrounding area of Paderno del Grappa. Specifically through my Global Consumer course, we visited La Ceramica VBC, Hausbrandt, and the Canova Museum. These three companies are very different in their function, yet I find the history behind each of them to be significant as all of them have existed for over 200 years. Being a Walton student, I found it to be instrumental to understand the effect an organization’s values has on its success and longevity.
Art history and culture: Lessons learned beneath the Vatican’s ceiling
Being situated in a rural area enabled me to appreciate the slower lifestyle of the countryside, I was able to enjoy many local restaurants and the historic architecture within the small towns. I learned more about myself and I realized how much I enjoy the slower parts of life and how much appreciation I have for a community-centered culture. Although, I do have to admit the travel weekends were an absolute blast! During my time in Italy, I served as a Campus Assistant and got an extra weekend to travel; throughout my time I went to Florence, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda (Limone, specifically), Pula (Croatia), and Rome. I think the most positive experience I had was in Rome; my friends and I ended up getting a private tour of the Vatican — the Papal Collections, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica — and just about had our minds blown from all of the history behind the makings of the smallest country on Earth. Traveling to Rome enabled us to see every large monument, yet also explore the two small towns of Frascati and Orvieto.
Throughout my trip, I find that the moments that really stand out to me are the ones where I truly just paused. To stop, to slow down my breath after it’d been taken away, to realize the grandeur of the present. It started from looking out of my window of my room, seeing the rolling hills and quiet life, then to waterfalls and grand mountains, to the artistic masterpieces of museums. This is where I found a humbling peace. When you look over the edge, the narrow wall or fence, and realize just how similar a place 5,000 miles away from home is. In both places, the sun rises in the east and sets in the West, the land unfolds before your eyes and holds so much history, and the quiet harmony that connects every living thing is suddenly known. To look out, to understand the expansive Earth and the small role we play in it is comforting. To know that there are constants wherever I go. To pause for a moment and appreciate the goodness of nature and creativity of humankind, is where I understood that everything works out according to plan.
La Dolce Vita, I realize, is not about location quite at all. It is the perspective and understanding of gratitude. Slowing down to appreciate the present and honoring who you are in that moment… that is truly a sweet life.