Today the 4 HDFS (Human Development) students did our Independent Studies activity. We were placed in a local high school here in Ariccia and split into groups of 2 and spoke to 4 different classes each. We were asked to talk about American teenage culture and ask them about Italian teenage culture. It was amazing to see how different their schooling system is and hanging out with the students was so fun! They loved having Americans in their school. Here are a few things I found interesting:
- They pick what kind of high school they want to go to by the time their 13. The one we visited was a language school with mostly girls. Boys generally go to engineering or science schools.
- There is no drinking or smoking age. Amazing that they can walk into any store or restaurant and no one will think twice about giving them alcohol when they’re 10 years old.
- They LOVE American music. We did some dancing in their classroom
- The teachers are really laid back. We were free to talk about whatever we wanted and just joked around with the teachers and students the whole time.
- There are no cliques. Everyone is friends. There are not social groups- no popular girls, jocks, nerds. I know that sounds straight from “Mean Girls”, but it’s amazing to me that they all hang out together and don’t somehow form stereotypes or exclusive groups.
I learned a lot about myself this morning too. Since we’ve been here we’ve mostly been taking in information, receiving rather than giving. I definitely have learned that I enjoy leading a conversation or sharing things about myself, my culture, my family, whatever… I’ve obviously loved learning so much since we’ve been here, but it was nice to not sit in a classroom and be quiet, but rather stand in the front and share our experiences.
This morning also confirmed my love for my major. Even if I’m still unsure of exactly where it might take me, I absolutely love understanding and relating to people. I loved learning about a new culture and asking constant questions back and forth for an hour. I especially loved being with the adolescent girls. Needless to say, whatever I end up doing, I’m thankful I know the 4 years at Auburn in HDFS has been worthwhile.
