When in Rome… do as the Roman Catholic

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Ana Hernandez

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Ana Hernandez

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Buongiorno! <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> Santa Barbara City College <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2023 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Rome, Italy <i>Program provider:</i> Santa Barbara City College <i>Major/minor:</i> Early Childhood Education <i>Demographics:</i> Community College, Hispanic/Latinx, First-Generation College Student <i>Future career aspirations:</i> Find a way to provide early childhood education opportunities and education in places where there is none in the U.S. and abroad. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> Observe the highly successful early childhood programs, such as; Reggio Emilia and Montessori in their country of origin. Observe cultural differences in early childhood, families and children, in town, on the street, on the buses, in the restaurants. Immerse myself in a culture different than my own to create more awareness and a deeper understanding of myself and the children and families I will work with as an Early Childhood Education Educator. Enjoy the food, arts, music, culture and people of Rome, Italy.

Fortunately, I am a Catholic. This week is a special week for Catholics. It is the beginning of the Lenten season which officially starts with Ash Wednesday. I feel very honored to be within walking distance of the Vatican and to be able to walk my Lenten path near the seat of the Catholic faith.

I was able to spend the day at the Vatican in prayer and meditation. My day started with a papal audience and I listened to his message of peace for Ukraine and respect to our elders who have so much wisdom to impart and are often pushed aside in society. I toured St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in wonder and awe at the gift of artistry in everything I saw. Did you know the “paintings” in the Basilica are actually mosaics? The decision to preserve the actual painting was made and Venice supplied over 15,000 colors of mosaic ceramic to recreate the great works of art in mosaic-fascinating!

The situation in the Ukraine is concerning because it is so close to us, as opposed to being back in the United States and it then it seems so far away. We had a brief conversation about how the students are feeling in this time of turmoil and uncertainty. Most of the students felt angry and only a little frightened at what a war could mean for us in a foreign country. We all agreed though that we did not want to return before our semester was complete. We have all made a home here, friendships and bonds have been created and to be suddenly uprooted would be difficult. In Italy, we do not hear very much talk about the Ukraine, life goes on as usual.

My Lenten path this year will be to pray and fast for peace. Peace for the people and children of the Ukraine.