I'm not overly patriotic, but one of my favorite Americanisms is Thanksgiving. I'm not too fond of the history of the holiday, you know, with the genocide and all. Like a lot of things in America, it's underscored by oppression and violence. Despite this, I like to take the holiday to reflect with gratitude and spend time with loved ones. And the Thanksgiving meal is so incredible. I crave it all year long. And then the leftovers? Yum. Ho l'acquolina in bocca, which means my mouth is watering. Shout out to Prof. Francesco. 

Studying abroad in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands was an unforgettable experience—one that challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow in ways I never expected. When I first arrived, I was excited but nervous. The idea of living in a new country seemed thrilling, but it quickly became clear that there would be many challenges ahead. From language barriers to adjusting to a new culture, my time abroad tested me. However, it also allowed me to discover more about myself, my values, and the positive impact I want to have on the world.

                                                                                    “Mountjoy is so important to me” – Mercedes Hamilton