When in Rome

Ciao, Belle

Finding the words to describe my experience is akin to finding the right sentiment to a life-altering experience. Even now, as I sit here writing and searching for the ways to compartmentalize my thoughts, I am at a loss. I can begin to describe what my study abroad experience wasn’t.

Traveling thousands of miles alone, for the very first time, wasn’t without fear. In fact, I was terrified. Going to a new country with a different culture and dynamic wasn’t easy. If anything, it was eye-opening. Finding this life experience amid all the chaos in our world wasn’t simple—it was one of the biggest steps I’ve taken in my life.

My name is Rosabella, but I usually go by Belle. I was born with a visual disability I’ve struggled with all my life. I am currently 22 years old and working to finish a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with Excelsior. Because of my condition, among many other ones, I struggle to get out. I cannot drive, and many social activities always have fallen short of my capabilities. About 18 months ago, I was also in a car accident, leaving me unable to walk for about three months.

Excelsior was the best option, as the flexibility without needing to travel somewhere on my own or be around others made it ideal. Being isolated, though, confined to my space, I don’t find the life experiences many do. You could say I dreamed of being independent, to go on an adventure and explore outside my Rapunzel tower. I just didn’t. I couldn’t. I was told I couldn’t, and it was evident by my past experiences that I wouldn’t.

Fast-forward to the email I received from Excelsior in March 2024 highlighting the chance to study abroad in an amazing country I’ve always dreamed of seeing. As I sat there, moments after crying that I’d never see anything outside my bedroom windows, it felt almost like a sign. All the fears lingered, and I realized I might have been foolish for thinking about being in a new country, getting on a plane, and separating from my family for that long, given the conditions I have.

But had that thinking ever stopped me before? No. And I wouldn’t let it this time either.

I got on that plane, eight hours on my own with my extreme fear of airplanes and a brace around my foot, trying to navigate the tiny print I could barely read. I did that. I settled into the dorms, finding my way to live for a month with brand-new people and routines that couldn’t be further from what I had known. I did that. I learned more about my painting trade through the class I took, despite being told most of my life that art like that would be impossible for me. I did that.

I walked the streets of Rome, surrounded by new potential danger and incredible churches and landmarks I couldn’t have ever dreamed of seeing. I did that. I took the train up to Florence, witnessing the deep passion of my favorite works of art I had only seen through school projects on my screen. I did that. I trekked the ruins of Pompeii, my foot aching and my strength dwindling throughout the entire excursion while seeing the breathtaking historic monuments. I did that.

I did that.

I mean to say this, repetitive as it is. I did that, and I did that on my own. Sure, I had some support, and I had people around me. But despite everything I was told I couldn’t do, I did.

Lessons of the Eternal City

I am grateful for and enlightened by my period of studying in Rome as an Excelsior student. Much more than an academic pursuit, it has been a journey that has absolutely changed my view of many things by growing my knowledge of history and culture and, finally, changing my view of the world.

Upon arrival in Rome, I found myself instantly connected with the energetic combination of ancient history and modern lifestyle. The Roman Forum ruins, the grandeur of the Colosseum, and the splendor of the Vatican—these were not ordinary tourist spots; rather, they were living, breathing classrooms. Each historic site had a story to be discovered, and as I learned about the details of life in ancient Rome, I started to grasp the depth of accomplishment, the lessons learned from history.

Academically, the study in Rome broadened my learning in unexpected ways. Course offerings included experiential learning whereby lectures might be conducted in museums or historic sites. This interactive type of learning reinforced the mastery of the subject, making abstract notions more concrete and familiar. For instance, Renaissance art could be explored while examining the masterpieces of Michelangelo so one could learn about the cultural and philosophical influences on the art of that time. This experiential learning set off a new spark in my life for history and the arts, an interest I still carry today.

My experience in Rome greatly influenced my outlook outside the classroom. Being among people of different backgrounds and points of view helped me learn the importance of putting oneself in other people’s shoes and being more tolerant of others. I came home a little wiser, determined to foster depth in my own community, with a deeper respect for diversity. Life in Rome taught me something more valuable about life than anything I would have learned in school: People learned to get over the obstacles of living in a place, persist through the barriers of language, and fit in with new social behaviors. And they were more robust and independent for it.

I learned to welcome uncertainty and approach problems with an eye toward finding solutions. As is often said, every obstacle conquered—from riding the public transportation system to ordering a meal in Italian—is an opportunity for growth.

All Roads Lead to …

My study abroad experience at John Cabot University, in Rome, was a highlight of my liberal arts academic journey. This experience was made possible by the exquisite help I received from Excelsior University, which made the entire process run smoothly. As a Six Sigma practitioner, that is high praise! Excelsior used various communication methods to keep students well informed, including email, their website, and a chatbot. The staff was extremely knowledgeable about all requirements, including registration, travel, housing, and, most importantly to me, VA funding.

Upon arriving in Rome, I felt a bit grumpy, hungry, and exhausted after traveling from Utah. All I wanted was to get to my lodging without any problems. Given my 27-year background in logistics management in the Air Force, I am well aware of the difficulties associated with coordinating a large team bed-down. There are numerous moving parts, including personnel, luggage, and other logistics concerns. Excelsior and John Cabot executed the entire procedure flawlessly.

I enrolled in Street Photography, which I initially thought would be a breeze. However, it turned out to be much more challenging than I anticipated, with a significant emphasis on classroom work, theory, and composition. The professor, who was incredibly talented, led us through historic sites and town squares, giving us assignments that pushed us to apply what we learned in real time. We were required to bring our photos to class each day, and to my amazement, the professor remembered every student’s photos—their composition, use of color or black and white, leading lines, rule of thirds, etc. Her attention to detail and ability to recall each student’s work was remarkable. I found myself wanting to incorporate her classroom management techniques when I returned home and resumed teaching.

As the name of the course implies, the homework involved traipsing through Rome, and each day I found myself covering 6–8 miles, applying the day’s classroom theory. The final project was a five-minute video or PowerPoint presentation showcasing our work, and I titled my compilation “All Roads Lead to Rome.” My work was a culmination of the countless miles I walked and the deep connection I formed with the Eternal City through my camera lens. I delved into the “all roads lead to Rome” theme, researching the history and myths surrounding some of Rome’s most famous streets, such as the ancient Via Appia, the beloved Via Piccolomini with its stunning view of Vatican City, and the cherished Via dei Coronari and Via Panisperna. Additionally, I explored the legend of Castel Sant’Angelo, where the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared during a devastating plague, a miraculous event that led Pope Gregory I to rename the castle after the sighting. These historic events enriched my project, adding a deeper historical and cultural context to my work.

My study abroad experience was a pivotal moment in my education journey. The street photography course connected my liberal arts degree and my growing passion for teaching. The opportunity to assist a fellow student, who faced a medical challenge and missed several days of instruction, was a profound experience that combined my enthusiasm for education with the compassion and empathy essential for effective teaching. This experience, guided by a remarkable professor, highlighted the importance of adaptability and support in education. It also underscored the value of my unique educational background, which spans human resource management, logistics management, and liberal arts, and how these diverse fields enrich my approach as a 10th-grade teacher today.