Liberal Arts Majors: Anthropology, History, Jewish Studies
Other Major: Middle Eastern Studies
Minors: Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Global and International Studies
Hometown: Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Experience Time: Summer 2022
Give us a brief summary of your experience?
For nearly three weeks, I traveled throughout Rome and Southern Italy to learn about the regal, republican, and imperial eras of Ancient Roman history. I spent time in Rome, Pompeii, Naples, Sorrento, Ostia, Paestum, and Florence. The program predominately focused on the social, economic, and political life of Ancient Rome, but our travels allowed us to broaden our knowledge of Ancient Rome to include peoples and communities outside of Rome. The program included lectures as well as guided tours of museums and archaeological sites.
How did this experience impact you academically?
This experience allowed me to complete my minor in Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (CAMS). While I now have a minor in CAMS, my prior CAMS coursework has largely focused on the Near East. This program, however, has expanded my knowledge of the ancient world beyond the Near East. Additionally, the ability to learn about Ancient Rome while touring sites directly related to the history, such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, enhanced and deepened my learning experience.
"The ability to tour Italian museums, both within and outside of the program, allowed me to learn about Italian museum practices and how they differ from the U.S. I was also able to broaden my knowledge of ancient and modern Jewish history throughout the program."
How will this experience impact your career goals?
After I graduate, I intend to work in education or public programming at a Jewish history museum. The ability to tour Italian museums, both within and outside of the program, allowed me to learn about Italian museum practices and how they differ from the U.S. I was also able to broaden my knowledge of ancient and modern Jewish history throughout the program. For example, the ability to choose a site for our on-site presentation allowed me to study ancient Jewish history though my research on the Arch of Titus and Rome’s destruction of the Second Temple. During our free time, I was also able to tour the Jewish Museum of Rome and the Great Synagogue of Rome. These tours allowed me to learn about the modern history of Jewish life in Rome.
How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?
I am extremely grateful for the financial support I received from the College of the Liberal Arts and the Jewish Studies Department. Without the enrichment funds from the College of the Liberal Arts and the scholarships I received from the Jewish Studies Department, this experience would not have been possible. Both sources of funding helped me participate in this program, which enhanced both my professional and academic growth.
How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?
The Paterno Fellows Program encourages students to take advantage of as many professional and academic opportunities as possible while at Penn State. No matter what opportunity I decide to participate in, I feel supported by the program and strive to fulfill the program’s mission.