Wait, I came here to learn?

One important thing I’ve been unfairly ignoring in this blog is my academic life. My classes, you know, what I “came here” for.

In short, I love them. We already know how I feel about my wine and food pairing, and my language class, but I’m taking 3 other actual “intellectual” ones.


I’m taking Introduction to Environmental Issues Management, which although typically hard to get through without ten cappuccinos from the espresso vending machine (yes, it’s awesome), is fascinating as a whole. It’s actually kind of terrifying as well, because even from the moderate view on global issues, we are basically screwed.

But it’s interesting because I’m definitely noticing myself change some habits, such as turning off all the lights when I leave the room, using the heat less, and drinking tap water instead of bottled water. In fact, Italian tap water is actually better regulated than bottled water here, and more than likely better quality. Good to know! So as long as I keep my scared pessimist locked up, it’s interesting to learn about sustainability, and it’s definitely a concept I want to start making more a part of my life.

Then on to my favorite: International Marketing. It is unquestionably enhanced by the fact that I am taking this class as an American student in Italy, as I’m learning things I definitely would not being taught by an American professor. It doesn’t hurt that I idolize my teacher, Simone. Born and raised in Germany, this little 5-foot woman fell in love with an Italian and moved here so she could start enjoying the more pleasurable style of Italian living. She owns her own event planning and marketing consultation firm, and also teaches in her spare time. She is maybe 30, and looks like a short super model. Now, there’s no way I can change my origin, height, or age, but I’m going to do everything else in my power to be just like her.

I think the Gods agree with this goal, because they also dubbed her professor of my next class, Event Planning. So on Thursdays I have five hours of the most interesting course material ever, taught by my idol, Simone.


For my event planning class this week, we went to a huge dance expo. Our assignment was essentially to evaluate the entire event, from the venue (an old fortress), to the environmental friendliness of the set up, to the amenities offered, and staffing.

It was a little hard to focus on my assignment when I felt like a kid in a candy shop. Dance used to be my life. How can I write about what kind of light bulbs they use when I’m surrounded by elaborate costumes, pointe shoes, and ballet classes? I’m drawn to all of the booths, thinking how great of a color that Capezio leotard is, or how cheap those Gaynor Minden are.

I have to remind myself that I have no use for these things whatsoever at this point- I haven’t taken a ballet class in maybe five years. What the hell would I do with a pair of pointe shoes, dance in my room?

It was still fun.

Next week we are going to a super market with my marketing class. At Chapman I would probably be facebooking to distract myself from freezing to death in Beckman. You certainly won’t catch me complaining about my course load over here :)