"Honestly, I needed to get away from campus for a bit. I felt like I had been in a routine and going through some personal struggles, and wanted to challenge myself, regain a sense of independence, and just experience something new. I’ve always been interested in Italian culture, especially because of how amazing the Italian department is at Dartmouth, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to actually live what I had been learning. Italian was the very first class I took at Dartmouth, and it really shaped how I see learning. Professors like Matteo Gilebbi were always so engaging, attentive, and interactive, and that reflects the culture of the whole department. Being in Rome felt like an extension of that, just more immersive. Also, having Danielle Callegari in our program there made a huge difference, she really connected us to Italian culture in a real way, not just academically but through experiences like agro-tourism, etc. At Dartmouth, I feel like it’s really easy to get caught up in your major and in being productive all the time. I’m studying psychology and design, and I’m always thinking about goals, work, what’s next. Being in Rome kind of disrupted that in a good way. Living with my host mom especially changed my perspective. I realized how much I tie rest to productivity, like feeling I have to earn it, and being there made me question that. Life there felt slower, but not in a lazy way, more intentional, more enjoyment. People value time, good work, food, conversations, just being present. I feel like I came back valuing balance more, and understanding that rest is actually necessary, not something you have to earn to deserve. Some of my favorite memories were definitely traveling. Going to Sicily and doing agro-tourism for the first time was amazing, we visited a farm, made/tried fresh cheeses, and learned about how everything is produced locally. I also traveled to Piedmont and took classes at a university in Pollenzo, which was such a cool experience to see a different academic environment in Italy. And of course, going to the Vatican in Rome was surreal. I think it’s important to say that the first week can feel uncomfortable. You’re in a new place, new language, new routines, and it can feel overwhelming at first. But that’s also what makes it so impactful. It really teaches you what you’re capable of, how adaptable you are, and gives you a lot of confidence. For me, it also shifted how I think about life, I value slower moments more now, things like good food, quality, and just enjoying where you are instead of always rushing to the next thing."

- LSA WINTER 2026 | GUILIANA FERNANDEZ ARCE | '26 | Psychology Major with Minor in Human Centered Design.