The UW Rome Center library was quiet, but the city outside was bustling. I had just landed in Rome
after a whirlwind of international travel and intense jetlag. It was difficult to believe I would become
part of such a historically significant city and could have as many adventures as I wanted over the
course of my program. It was impossible to figure out where to get started, but the hardest step was
over: I said yes.
Hello reader! My name is Catherine, and I am entering my senior year at the University of Washington
as a dual-degree student pursuing a B.A. in English: Creative Writing and a B.S. in Applied
Mathematics: Data Science. I just returned from my ten week Rome in Residence program where I
studied art history, architecture, and the anthropology of food. Ever since starting at UW, I knew
studying abroad would be part of my path, but with my tightly packed academic schedule, I had one
shot to get it right. I am incredibly grateful that I did!
A Step Back From STEM
My junior year was jam packed with coding and analytical classes, especially since I had filled my
first two years with English courses. Rome in Residence gave me the chance to step away from the
computer and immerse myself in a world of art and culture from thousands of years ago. I had never
spent so much time poring over singular art pieces until the beauty of individual statues and paintings
captivated me enough to make me pause. My studies were no longer about finding one answer, they
were about understanding the significance behind the process.
If I could give one piece of advice to STEM students, it would be to consider a program that is outside
of your major. I had never taken an art history class before, and I ended up falling in love with the
course. I spent hours researching the genius sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini for my final presentation.
After studying them for so long, his works Apollo, Daphne, Pluto, and Proserpina will always
hold a very special place in my heart.
The Art of Being Alone
Being alone and being lonely are two different things. When I say being alone, I mean taking the
initiative to learn more about who you are as a person without the context of other people. While
studying abroad, I went out of my way to make time for myself. One of my favorite trips I did was a
solo-travel day to Castel Gandolfo where I spent hours exploring the town, writing, and reflecting on
my trip so far. Every week, I would visit a new museum (thank you MIC Card!) and take my time with
every art piece. There was something about exploring a museum on my own that allowed me to feel
present as I spent as much or as little time as I wanted analyzing paintings and sculptures.
Studying abroad is your time to learn more about the world, outside of what you know, but also the
time to learn more about yourself. It’s the chance to live in a place you don’t know and reflect on what
your priorities are. Do you want to travel to every single country possible? Or do you want to slow
down and listen to the stories that surround you? Studying abroad gave me the chance to observe and
learn about different cultures, even if it was nerve wracking at times to attempt conversations with a
language barrier.
Thinking of Studying Abroad?
If the idea of studying abroad is even remotely interesting to you (and, honestly, even if it isn’t), I
would take the time to research all the different kinds of programs that exist out there. They can range
from two weeks to an entire year, and they can take you all around the world, if that’s what you want
to do. If you do decide to study abroad, one piece of advice I’d give is to document everything. Being a
Social Media Fellow gave me an excuse to record my journey, but it didn’t end there. I kept a journal
throughout my time to write about everywhere I went, the people I interacted with, and how I was
feeling overall about the program. There are certain moments and thoughts that can’t be captured in a
photo. Sometimes, it’s worth it to sit down and write, even if it’s only for ten minutes. You’d be
surprised by how quickly the ideas start to flow.
It can be incredibly difficult to step out of your comfort zone, but you really will learn more about
yourself than you would otherwise. Take the chance to observe the world in a different way than you
had before, and you’ll become a more well-rounded person on the other side.
You got this!