By bbarfiel
Wow, the time has truly flew by! However, I want to take the time to appreciate this experience for all the lessons that it has taught me. Reflecting back on my semester, there have been numerous adventures, challenges and obstacles that I have conquered. I’ve written about some of those in my previous post..but this one is different. ...continue reading "Reflections"
By bbarfiel
In my original post, I tried to give you a sense of my community and the way that I define my self. Since then, I have experienced a lot of things that have confirmed and challenged my initial thought. Overall, I still identify myself in the same way in my first way. I am still a driven, man of color who is trying to break all of the stereotypes society has instilled. While this is completely true, I believe my identity is greater than this. ...continue reading "BUILDING IDENTITY & COMMUNITY"
By bbarfiel
The most pressing question that I got when I first arrived in Milan was “Why study in Italy”? Honestly, I really don’t know. I mean it’s a combination of things, but there wasn’t one selling point that sealed it for me. First, the most important (for me at least) was the food. I mean, who doesn’t like Italian food? Secondly, there are endless amounts of places to visit from Milan, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terra, Sicily and Rome. Lastly, the clothes! If you really know me, you know that I have always had a passion for dapper dress. Milan is definitely a place to allow my fashion sense take its course. Oh, I forgot to mention the beautiful Italian women!
However, not everything in Milan is as sweet as the gelato. I definitely have my share of rocky roads while studying here. When I first arrived in Milan, I requested to stay with a host Italian family for 10 days with the intention on renting for the duration of my study. They were really welcoming at first, but started to distance themselves from me by day 3. I wasn’t shocked when they explained how “I was lucky to stay with them because the Italian people can be really prejudice”. While this maybe true, they definitely didn't make me feel at home. On day 5, they asked me if I wanted to stay, because a family friend from Venezuela was coming to Milan and needed to know if he could rent my room. I told them that I was more than likely going to stay with them because it was too difficult to find a flat in Milan for less than one year. The next day, I went to discuss the details of my stay and what they expected from me. When I approached them, they spoke in Italian for a while. I could clearly tell something was wrong. The two sons got into a big argument, and one stormed out of the living room. The other son was irate but tried to assure me that nothing was wrong and that I would get the room. By the time the owner of the house (his mother) arrived home from work, I think things boiled over. She doesn’t speak English, but I knew that she was trying to calm her sons down and figure out what we would do. ...continue reading "Evolving Identities"
By bbarfiel
I decided to post about 5 places/people that make up my community abroad. The first and arguably most influential destination in Milan is Duomo di Milano. This beautiful cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. It is the fifth largest cathedral in the world, and the largest in Italy. This religious masterpiece is a testament to the mastery of Italian architecture and engineering. I only wish my iPhone’s camera could capture all of the masterfully carved details of this grand cathedral. The try beauty of Duomo can be seen around midnight, when the square is free of street vendors and tourist. ...continue reading "Community Abroad"
By bbarfiel
Growing up in the NYC metro area, I have been exposed to one of the most diverse areas in the world. I once read an article saying how there were over 15 different languages spoken in one given square mile. With that being said, some of my best friends growing up spoke Spanish, French, Italian, and Arabic. I have had the privilege to be taught amongst different cultures. From Pre-K to 3rd grade I was enrolled into a private Christian school that was made up of predominately African-Americans. 4th grade to 8th grade, I attended a predominately white “gifted and talented program”. While we may have had similar interest at that time (sports, music, video games) I was too stunned from the culture shock to engage with other students. After conquering that culture barrier, I attended a predominately Hispanic high school in New Jersey. Lastly, but definitely not least, I am currently enrolled in a predominately white institution, otherwise known as a PWI. ...continue reading "Growing up in the NYC metro area"