Leaving from Rome, from Rome Director Carmen Guerrero

By UM News 04-30-2020

"I was up late the night we all got the email about having to leave Rome. When I read it, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I woke up Gladys, who I’d been rooming with, and we were both in shock. I was speechless for a few minutes before I called my mom. When she answered the phone I immediately started crying. Participating in the USoA Rome Program was something I knew I wanted to do from the moment I walked on campus. I’d done my research ahead of time and couldn’t wait until third year to apply. One thing I miss the most about Rome is being able to form a closer bond with my friends by sharing our similar passion: studying architecture. For me, learning about the history of architecture can be daunting, but having lived in Rome, learning more about the layers of the city and being able to physically go out and see this history is an unmatched experience and one that I was/am extremely grateful for. Another thing I miss was keeping a sort of travel log in the form of sketches while we were there. Returning to Rome in the future would be amazing for me because Rome is such a big city, and there were still so many other things that I wish I could’ve seen and experienced.”
Jheanelle Miller

"Studying in Rome, although cut short, was truly one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Leaving the beautiful city felt like I woke up too soon from the most amazing dream and all I have wanted to do since then is go back to sleep and try to pick up where I left off. One of the things I miss the most is my walk to the studio every morning. I would always stop by a cafe where the barista had welcoming smiles and thoroughly enjoyed helping me perfect my morning order in Italian. The people and the way they live is so different than the way we live here. The food, itself, is an experience on its own. Everything is fresh and made with so much love that you have no option but to make sure that each plate is sent back clean. I truly hope that one day I can go back to the city that quickly stole my heart. I would love nothing more than to go back to the cafe and sip my cappuccino while learning some more Italian phrases but until then Arrivederci Roma, fino a quando ci incontreremo di nuovo."
Hannah Rodriguez

"The city of Rome is so amazing. There are so many places, not only in Rome, but also other cities in Italy, I still want to explore. I really miss walking on the street in the company of so many people. I miss the experience that some amazing buildings and historical ruins are waiting for you at the turn of every corner. I also miss enjoying a brief and quiet time, sitting in front of the St. Peter during a studio’s break since it’s just within three minutes of walking distance from our studio. It is really sad we should leave early, but I understand our safety is the most important thing. Also, I think this early departure gives me another reason to return to Italy and spend more time there. Rome is not a city built just in one day, and it deserves being visited more than one time."
Shimeng Yang