First Service Day

Ciao A Tutti!

Time surely does fly by when you're having fun!  I've been in Italy for two weeks and I will say, "Do not be surprised if I 'miss' my flight home."  Siena is a beautiful city with a rich history; I am learning more about the history of Italy and Europe from both the people I meet and in class.  

One class I am taking this semester is called European Development Policy: European Perspective on International Engagement.  The course is designed to provide an overview on the development of international organizations, both Non Governmental (INGOs) and Governmental (IGOs) in the world panorama, with a specific concentration on Europe.  Specific attention is devoted to the EU Development Policy.  Lastly, the course will provide knowledge about the development and change of the concepts of "state" and "sovereignty." 

While I will be learning much in the classroom, I will be learning just as much outside of it.  Siena Italian Studies (SIS) and the Master's program I am in allow me to work within the communities.  I will be solidifying my placement of work shortly.  Once I have the details, I will be sure to share here!  Until then, I was able to participate in some service work this past Saturday with a local organization called Le Mura.  Le Mura aims to protect the walls of Siena which are a UNESCO site.  To learn more about the walls of Siena, check out: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/717

In short, the people of Siena live either inside or outside the walls of the city; The walls define the original city limits of Siena. The original city of Siena was built as Art, including the walls themselves, where every aspect of Siena was thoughtfully crafted.  Each section of the city was built around the city center - Piazza del Campo, or simply, Il Campo.  The section of wall we volunteered at was on private land and a section many people do not see. It was a pleasure to help with Le Mura's goal. 

Today's video highlights our service work from this past Saturday.

Keep Sparking!

Anthony

*Song in Video: Swedish House Mafia, Save the World