I’m Perrin, Nice to Meet You

My name is Perrin Swoveland-Bailey and I’m a sophomore. Studying abroad is known by many as the metaphorical cherry on top of the undergraduate cake, as it’s an opportunity not typically taken advantage of until students’ last years in school. I, however, was overcome by impulsivity in a moment of angst last year and signed myself up to go abroad my Fall 2015 semester. Knowing that my mom’s protective instincts and concern for her Freshman daughter wouldn’t want me going abroad so soon, I didn’t tell her about my decision until I had deposited the $50 that locked me into a contract with the Study Abroad Office. She wasn’t necessarily happy when I called her and told her I was legally bound to go and live in Italy for a semester and that I would be leaving to do so in a mere matter of months; but I was happy. I had only ever lived in Colorado, was feeling a little bored, and  knew that what I needed intellectually, developmentally, and spiritually was to alter my perspective. What better way, I thought, to do so than to live in an entirely unfamiliar place for a while?

With the fall semester over and a newfound keenness for espresso and pint-sized Fiats, I find myself back in Boulder. Living abroad heightened my appreciation for both Europe and the United States. I love both areas of the world more now than I did before. I no longer take for granted American convenience, hearing English everywhere I go, or consistently hot showers. But at the same time I miss being having ancient historical sites across the street from where I go to school, the comforting chaos of Rome, and the laid back “you’re not late if you’re less than 30 minutes late” approach to life the Italians just never seem to abandon.

While I was in Rome, I was enrolled in a Media and Communications program. This wasn’t really a wise move for me academically at the time since I was a Classics major (Classics, since most people haven’t heard of it: the study of Latin/Greek/mythology/ancient philosophy/archaeology). I had signed up for this media and communications program because it was the least expensive one I could find, and like I said, my entire decision to go abroad happened in a spontaneous moment of impulsivity. I had just planned on using my classes as elective credits. To my pleasant surprise, though, I had quite a knack for media and communications. But really, while learning and writing about Italian politics, engaging with the homeless and refugee community, and going on tours of the Vatican with the man in charge of Pope Francis’s media (yes, that’s right, one of my professors was a Vatican insider), how could I not NOT have developed a fondness for media and communications? I’m now in the CMCI school, focusing on strategic advertising. And I’m really excited to be here.