(A personal photograph of my front porch from my favorite
tree to sit and read in; July 2014)
I am a Pennsylvanian; originally from (and raised in) Macungie, PA, though I now live in Mount Bethel, PA--where formerly I spent every summer since I was a baby. So I guess you could say I have two hometowns, haha. I came to OU due to the National Merit Scholarship and fantastic Honors College programs. And, upon attending school here, I have realized that there is no other university where I would rather be!
I am double-majoring in Biology & Letters, a very eclectic (but fitting) duo. I have always wanted to go into some kind of animal behavioral research, but also find the classics, literature, philosophy, history and language fascinating--making my choice in majors perfect but widely encompassing as far as subject matter goes. This semester I am studying abroad in Arezzo, Italy through the OUA study abroad program, so I am busy learning Italian (all I know are a few words and phrases, so I'm kinda lost right now, haha) and traveling across Europe while trying to keep up with 15 hours of coursework--it should be an adventure and a half!!! I am taking Renaissance Art in Italy, Machiavelli's Modern Princes, The Republican Tradition, Italian Cultural Literacy, and of course Myth & Folklore. So, yeah, a busy semester all in all.
As far as hobbies go, I love to read, watch a variety of movies and TV shows, like to write stories (though I have issues with completing what I start. . . whoops!), enjoy playing sports such as volleyball, soccer, basketball, and ping pong, like to sketch (even if I'm not an utterly fantastic artist), love to hike and kayak, and all-around enjoy any time spent outdoors. I have also recently resumed running, an exercise that seems to get the better of me more often than not. Since I'm in Europe, I'm sure my main hobbies and sideline activities here will be traveling (wherever and whenever possible!), enjoying ALL of the Italian food, and wandering the rustic countryside and historical city while being blissfully inept at speaking the local language. All good things, haha.
(One of my favorite silly photos of my sisters and I a couple of years ago
when we were moving out of our old house; November 2012)
I have two sisters, one older and one younger, and I am two years apart from each of them. If this had been written before this past summer, I would have stated that I have two pets--a Brittany spaniel named Buddy and a gray calico cat named Princess. But then my sister decided to adopt an eight-week-old German shepherd/Anatolian shepherd mix puppy, so now I have yet another pet to list. And while she is absolutely adorable, Calypso has proven to be a very mischievous puppy. Unfortunately she has only grown more curious and energetic over the past few months, but she is a lovable sweetheart and luckily isn't--at least yet--as large as previously predicted, which makes her easier to manage, haha.
(Personal photographs of our new puppy, Calypso, on the left and my Brittany,
Buddy (under my favorite reading tree!) on the right; August 2014)
Well, now that you know the basics about me, it is time for the fun to truly begin. Onward and upward we go!!
Arrivederci!
Jessica, I love your blog. It is very cute. Anyways, it is very interesting that you are in Italy right now. I bet it is beautiful there! I hope that we will all get to learn from your experience there. Also, it would be interesting to just hear about your experiences there. I am glad that you love it at OU. I am sure that was a big change moving from Pennsylvania. I love the pictures of your dogs. They are adorable.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing semester you are going to have, Jessica! Are you thinking of doing some kind of combo project so that this class project hooks up with something you are doing in Italy...? The Renaissance art class is such a great possibility that way; there are so many STORIES told in that artwork, and finding a way to put the works together that would complement those works of art would be so much fun! (Meanwhile, between the gelato AND the art, I really am going to be totally jealous, ha ha.)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your introduction, Jessica. My father and his side of the family is from Scranton, which is just a little north of you. I am glad you are enjoying OU so much, despite being so far from home. Studying abroad sounds like it is a great experience, and I bet you are learning a lot about their culture! I also have two sisters, except I am the youngest. Your dogs are very cute! Puppies are always a handful, but it is impossible to resist their cuteness haha.
ReplyDeleteOMG Jessica, you took this class too. I Just wanted to tell you thank you for all the comments last semester. I am looking forward to the creativity you will bring in your storytelling this semester. You definately have a unique voice and storytelling approach. Well, good luck on the rest of the semster.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jessica! I really liked reading your introduction. First off, let me just say how incredibly jealous I am of the fact that you're studying abroad right now. That is the coolest thing! Your game plan for making the best of it was great as well. I'm so glad you're a fellow double major. Sometimes one major just isn't enough! Good luck with your studies and travels! I look forward to reading more of your posts. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jessica. After reading your introduction, I am very jealous that you're studying abroad in Arezzo. I wanted to take that trip but it just wouldn't work with my schedule so I hope you're having an awesome time! I love that you have dogs too! I have two dogs, an Australian Shepherd and a mutt who is just adorable. Anyways, good luck with your semester and I look forward to reading more from you!
ReplyDeleteHey Jessica!
ReplyDeleteI think it is really cool that you are from Pennsylvania. It is always refreshing to meet someone who is not from Oklahoma or Texas. Do you ever get homesick?
I also think that it is really awesome that you are studying abroad. I recently study abroad as well. I studied abroad in Ireland over the summer. While I was there I got to visit London and Belgium as well. I had the greatest time! I am sure that you will have the most amazing time as well! I think that everyone should study abroad or just go abroad at least once in their life.
Sounds like you love to travel which is awesome! I have always wanted to stay in Italy. In 2009 I went to London and only passed by in Italy for a day. I want to go again and stay even longer this time. I love volleyball! I have played it since I was in 6th grade. I played both in school and club but I played school volleyball till I graduated high school and I quit club when I was a freshman in high school.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you're travelling is really cool! How often do you study abroad? Or is this your first time? I think it'd be interesting if you had mini posts on your blog about your times in Arezzo (just an idea, no pressure). Why did you decide to do both Biology and Letters for majors? Obviously there must be something intrinsic to studying both to make them worth it.
ReplyDeleteThat's super exciting you're studying abroad! Biology and Letters seems like such an odd combination of majors, but if you're willing to go through two major programs you obviously know what you're doing! You seem like a well-rounded person talent-wise also, that's cool you like to draw (I'm the same way, even if I'm not that good either)! Good luck with your studies this semester!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you have a favorite tree that you sit to read! I have one in my front yard as well! it's so peaceful to sit outdoors and enjoy the world around you while reading about a world so far away.
ReplyDeleteDouble majoring in Biology and Letters sounds difficult! with biology as my minor I'm already stressed to the max, haha. I hope everything goes well for you! Good luck!
Hey Jessica! It's awesome that you are from Pennsylvania. I spent two summers dancing in Carlisle, PA. I am not sure how far away that is from where you have lived, but I know Carlisle is about 30 minutes south of Hershey, PA. I am also rather jealous of you getting to study abroad in Italy this semester. I have been to Italy before, to travel, and I have heard that the Arrezo program is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteJessica. That is awesome that you enjoy writing as that is what I hope to do after graduation. I also agree that there is no better place to study than at OU. I'm also from the east coast and love it here. My parents have a Brittany Spaniel so we have that in common. Well I hope you are enjoying studying abroad in Italy!
ReplyDeleteHey Jessica! I also came from a little bit away to attend OU, though my trip from Kansas City can't be quite the trip it is back to Pennsylvania. I have had the same feelings about OU being the perfect place for me after a few years here, but I'm really curious what the transition from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma is like just from a cultural and social standpoint.
ReplyDeleteHello Jessica! I am so happy that you have the opportunity to study abroad. Studying abroad is something that I have always wanted to participate in. Unfortunately and fortunately, I have had other obligations and opportunities that have not permitted me the time to study abroad. I am excited to graduate this semester, which I will not be as busy with school and other student organizations. I wish you the best!
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteIt was great getting to learn more about you. Pennsylvania?? Very cool. I spent my summer in Pittsburgh this past year for an internship and I loved it up there. I can’t tell you where Macungle is at, but I bet it is fun. I’m glad you made the right decision by coming to OU and not going to Penn State.
Wow! What an awesome introduction! I've spent the last two summers in Arezzo, and I miss it so much. It wormed its way into my heart so easily! The food there is, of course, to die for. Take advantage of every second of it. And surprisingly, I didn't take many pictures of Arezzo either time I was there, so be sure to take some because I miss being able to see my favorite piazze!
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica!
ReplyDeleteThat puppy is super cute. I want it to be my friend. It sounds like you have a pretty busy schedule with your double major. Hope you're having a great time in Europe. I have never travelled outside of the US, but I definitely want to some day. I won't have time to study abroad, which I definitely regret. Hope you continue to do a lot of exploring and trying new foods! You'll be back in the US before you know it, so take advantage of every moment.
It sounds like you're having quite a semester! Also, it's nice to hear that you're fond of writing stories for the fun of it. If you have issues with finishing them, perhaps you could try your hand at short stories? Profound, yet succinct.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your PA homeland, I do wonder: Are you familiar with Bryn Athyn, near Philadelphia? One of my best friends lived there and I visited this summer. I must say, PA is great.
Good to hear a little about your story!
Hey again Jessica!
ReplyDeleteThough I previously commented on your introduction, I was assigned to you for real this week. However, I have found other cool things to comment on.
I noticed that you said you like ping pong. Man, I haven't played ping pong in quite a long time. I used to play all the time in high school with friends, but I don't really have the chance to do that these days. Like you, I love all Italian food as well. I make a lot of pasta and pizza (mainly because it is super easy to prepare.) None the less, it is definitely one of my favorite kinds of food.
Have a great rest of your semester!
Wow, Pennsylvania is pretty far away, but I guess that's what the big scholarship will do to you. I agree; it's hard to turn down that kind of money, and the honors college here has some great opportunities. I'm a National Merit Scholar in the Honors College myself (but I'm only from Dallas, Texas so not much of a change). Also, kudos to you for being a cat owner. They're the bomb!
ReplyDeleteIt's so great that you've gotten to study abroad. I never had the money or opportunity, but I know so many people who have studied abroad and had an amazing time. It's so scary to think about being in a country where you don't speak the language! Not only that but you're taking a pretty full course load, too. You're a merit scholar, though, so you can do incredible things. I hope you're having a great time in Italy!
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI always see people who are letters majors and think that would be really cool. It’s impressive that you are double majoring. I was planning on double minoring but a double minor isn’t recognized so it kind of defeated the purpose for me. I think it’s really cool that you want to go into animal behavioral research. I’ve taken some animal psychology courses and always found them interesting.
Wow! This is quite the introduction. I am jealous that you are completing this course over in Italy. You have quite the workload while studying abroad, but I'm sure you are finding time to manage work and explore Italy at the same time. Congrats on being a national merit and I hope you enjoy the remainder of your time abroad in Italy!
ReplyDeleteThose are two really different majors, but come with very broad knowledge. Props to you for pulling the two off, I could not do it! I am sooooo jealous you are in Italy. I always wanted to study aboard, but my semester terms never allowed me to. Thank you for sharing about your family and interest. I am glad to know you are a job person, since dogs are obviously the best.
ReplyDelete