Ciao Pendolari! Hey Commuters!

I just recently came back from spending one month in Italy with Stony Brook's Study Abroad Program. Believe me when I say this; the 28 days I spent abroad were the most memorable, most amazingly beautiful and exciting days I have ever experienced. I went on this trip very hesitantly..only knowing one other person who was going (Tiffany, another CA!). Along the way I met a ton of great people from all over New York and some from across the country who came with Stony Brook, Suffolk Community College, and Westchester Community College for this awesome adventure. We lived in a hotel in Rome for the four weeks, taking many trips including Venice, Florence, Pisa, Tivoli, Sorrento, Capri, and Pompeii. At first, it was overwhelming..we didn't know where to go out for dinner or for fun..but probably a week into the trip we knew where andwhre not to go. I had some of the best food I've ever had, indulged in nightly gelato fixes, and spent way too much on everything (the exchange rate wasn't one of the highlights of the trip). I have so many pictures and souvenirs now that I'm settled back into the swing of things, and I love just going through them and thinking aboutt he good times I had. In fact, I am applying for another Study Abroad term with Stony Brook for the Winter Intercession.

I highly encourage everyone to study abroad at some point, especially commuters. As a commuter myself, I had to chance to have a roommate in a lovely hotel (I came home and started leaving my towels on the floor out of habit haha) and you get to meet so many people that otherwise, you might have missed out on knowing. I have a completely different opinion and outlook on so MANY things, and it was such a short time but a tremendous growing experience as corny and cliche as that sounds. Things are cliches for a reason, though.

If you ever find yourself wandering through campus with some extra time, check out the Library's 5th Floor. Take the elevator and hang a left at the 5th floor and go through a set of white doors and grab a pamphlet or two about study abroad and exchange programs.