“Rottnest Island: Reclaiming the Land.”
My story is about an excursion my Winter Term class took to Rottnest Island, which had previously served as a penal establishment and labor camp for Aboriginal Australians, but is now a popular tourist attraction. During our visit, we learned more about the history of the island and even got to participate in a traditional ceremony to pay our respects to the Aboriginal Australian ancestors who lost their lives there.
Listen
April Ocean
Even during nationwide shutdowns, it’s still possible to find fun things to do in Dublin. A short story about discovering amazing shops and jumping in the freezing ocean.
Listen
Here is a story about my host family experience and learning how to use a “suicide” shower.
Listen
This is the story of my first trip to Paris and what my girlfriend and I thought of the experience.
Listen
The Contrada Museum Nothing Like I Had Imagined
The Contrada Museum is located in Siena. While abroad, I was able to go visit the Owl Contrada and share a personal and in depth experience. It was different from all of the other museums we visited because it is still utilized for its original intent now, had historical elements that were made and found in the exact same place, and the entire museum is dedicated to one singular Contrada, not many different artists, groups, or styles. The original helmets, costumes, and flags were displayed in an orderly fashion which have the museum structure and organization. The fact that the museum had all of this collected and displayed for viewers shows how much they care about the Owl Contrada and the culture that it gives them. The church and horse stall were incredible. The fact that these are both still used to this day is not something that you typically see in a museum. This was a mind opening experience and nothing like I had imagined.
Listen
Skiing in Switzerland!
This is a picture of me and my friend Gianna going up the magic carpet on the bunny hill in Switzerland.
Listen
Lost in Naples.
This is a story about my travel experience in Naples. My friend and I got stranded and it took us hours to make our way to the hotel. Listen to hear how we finally got to Sorrento!
Listen
Stuck in Italy
This is a story about when I got Covid-19 after my program ended but while I was still in Italy during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Although this situation was terrible, I tried to make the best of it because I was always saying I didn’t want to leave so this was my sign I had to stay a little longer. The photo I have included is of the Duomo on my last night in Florence after I finally got a negative PCR test which is a memory I will never forget.
Listen
Taboo For Who: Protesting as an American student in Copenhagen, Denmark
I recall my experience as an American student planning and participating in an activist event entitled “Taboo for Who” which sought to change stigmatizing language about sex work in the Danish Criminal Code.
Listen
“The United States is scary because it’s big, but Europe is scary because it’s old.” I heard this quote over ten years ago and it has always stuck with me. I was very pleased to be able to test it with my own eyes when I went to London for Winter Term. It may seem obvious, but even three weeks in England, where the language is the same and you can find a fast food restaurant without difficulty, you’d be surprised how different it feels across the pond.
Listen