I miss Italy very much this Summer. I’ve been working non-stop on my undergraduate degree, applying to master programs, and working full time. It has been difficult looking at photos this Summer of my old Italian hometown of Castel Volturno. It has been even harder worrying about my Italian friends and family and feeling like I can’t see them. I was amazed at how united much of Italy was during the 2020 pandemic and how divisive and selfish many (not all) Americans have been. I believe we are not culturally designed to live in tight-knit communities. The type of communities Barzini calls “ant life.” In the United States, perhaps, only New York can compare to the cramped nature of Italian cities. I am impressed by the Italian strength and caring for each other and I have felt disappointed by attitudes in the United States.
As I work on my Fulbright application and consider why I must study writing and Italian writers in Italy, it really comes down to this community. The community and culture people reside in informs their art and artistic expression. I believe I can find an Italian mindset and creative understanding by being in these unique spaces. If I am able to reside in Italy in 2022/2033 I think it will be interesting to see how Italians move forward after these difficult times. Often the difficult times are the best times for artistic collaboration, movements, and innovation. I’ve also been curious about this period of time in Italy and how it might further divide the north and south economically and socially.
One thing I know for sure about the future, I cannot wait to sit in an Italian Café in Castel Volturno with my dear friend, drink an espresso, and discuss her wedding day plans. YES, that’s right she’s getting married! Now if she can just hold out until I can get there.
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