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Dateline: 4/15/2009

Florence Changes Each of Us, Forever

Dispatch from the Duomo

By Kaitlyn Warter
Class of 2009
The Duomo
Counting down the days ’til summer, Gonzaga graduating seniors are filled with mixed emotions. Some of us are eager to graduate and excited for what’s next, others are sad to leave Gonzaga or frightened by a dismal job market. Bittersweet is how students in Florence feel as their year abroad winds down. I remember these Florence feelings all too well.

For all Florence alumni, how do you sum up your year abroad? How do you take these experiences and apply them? Busy weekends traipsing throughout Europe have taught us a lot about other cultures and ourselves.

“My favorite part of studying abroad has been the opportunity to see so many distinct places and get a glimpse for the things that other people care about in life,” said junior Miles Miller. “With traveling, I have been able to develop my ability to manage my time and recognize the things that are important.”

Each experience was instructive. “Any experience that could have gone better was a lesson learned,” Miller said. Junior Laura Maher said studying abroad was invaluable.

“I learned patience in traveling, and appreciation for all the little, easy things that I take for granted back home,” Maher said. “I also learned that it is important to stay positive even in the midst of everyday problems.” 

Each person’s Florence experience is unique, yet everyone agrees it changes you, gives you a better understanding of the world and your place in it. Personally, it was tough to leave Florence not knowing if I’d return. Can the Florence experience be captured in one sentence?

Junior Miles Miller on top of Mount Capanne, Island of Elba.
Junior Laura Maher in Munich
If so, Miller’s sentence would be: “I came as someone who wanted to see the world, and I left as someone who wanted to make it better.” Undoubtedly, it helped form who I am.

Appreciate this incredible gift.

Happy, sad or bittersweet, remember each ending marks a new beginning.

Ciao!

Father Bruno’s Art Helps Kenyan Orphans
Father Bruno Segatta, S.J., former dean of Gonzaga-in-Florence and an accomplished artist, will display his art portraying Florence and landscapes of Tuscany in Sacramento’s Patris Studio and Gallery through May. Kurt Hausmann, Fr. Segatta’s apprentice, also will display some of his work. Utilizing an abstract style with emphasis on color and line, the artists create one-of-a-kind pieces. Proceeds from Fr. Segatta’s art sales will benefit his many charitable projects to aid Kenyan orphans. For more information visit: the following Web site   or contact Gayle Rappaport-Weiland at (916) 435-4096 or via e-mail.



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