My name is Miles Kwei and I am from West Linn, Oregon. I am a History major with an interest in law and foreign policy. I am excited about the opportunity to study in Florence because I believe strongly that our experiences need to grow beyond the walls of our comfort zone. I am very interested in the world beyond our borders, and I believe the best way to educate myself and to become a world citizen is to be submerged in the culture and environment. Studying abroad in Florence will help broaden my scope of history, learn about the Italian culture and language, and help build and create international
relationships.
Sophia Micciche
Hello, my name is Sophia Micciche and I am from Soldotna, Alaska. I plan to major in English and minor in business. I am ecstatic to join the Florence scholars program so that I can become more knowledgeable about the Italian culture and my heritage. Growing up with a Sicilian grandfather and grandma from the abandoned city of Craco, I was taught about the beauty of Italian culture, cuisine, and art. I’m excited to delve deeper into the culture and learn more about the world through this program!
Kate Chambless
My name is Kate Chambless and I am from Billings, Montana. I’m currently majoring in biology and hoping to focus on dental work in the future. Music is a passion of mine, and I’m super excited to learn more about music in different cultures. I also love traveling and experiencing new cities, especially coming from such a small town in Montana. I can’t wait to make new friends that I will get to experience a new country with!
Matthew Hopkins
My name is Matthew Hopkins, and I am from San Diego, California. I plan to study civil engineering during my time at Gonzaga University. Studying abroad in Florence, Italy is exciting as it offers me an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and explore its rich traditions, history, and customs. I hope to broaden my perspective and build genuine connections with people from diverse backgrounds by actively engaging with the local community. My Italian heritage is important to me, originating from my maternal grandmother who immigrated to the United States from Italy. Participating in Gonzaga’s study abroad program in Florence will strengthen my ties to my roots and heritage.
Gabby Camacho
Hi! My name is Gabby Camacho and I am from Modesto, California. I will be majoring in political science. I have always looked forward to new adventures and experiences and I am excited to further explore what the Florence Scholars program has to offer. I love learning about different cultures and finding similarities with my own. I want to learn about different cultures around the world and what they have to offer. I am eager to broaden my horizons and deepen my understanding of the world.
Jayne Jones
My name is Jayne Jones and I am from Phoenix, Arizona. I plan to major is business law and public policy. Studying abroad has always been an opportunity that I have looked forward to. Studying abroad in Italy would help me pursue my passion for traveling and trying new things. I am most excited for the food and emerging myself in the culture. I think studying abroad would help me see and understand different cultures. Studying abroad is important to me because I will have the opportunity to be able to see a different part of the world that is different from my own.
Roxy Boggs
Hello, my name is Roxy Boggs, and I am from Ridgecrest, California. I plan on majoring in Physics, and I’m excited to be a part of the Florence scholar program as I’ve always been interested in exploring the world. I can’t wait to know more and appreciate the rich culture and history of Italy, while also taking away valuable experiences and lessons from the Italian culture. I hope to expand my knowledge not only in culture and societal life, but also how many other people explore physics and look on the world.
Caitlin Duffy
Hello, I'm Caitlin Duffy from Colorado. I am currently a business major with a minor in music. I am excited to be a Florence scholar because I love history. I am also thrilled to try coffee and traditional Italian cuisine abroad. Being biracial, I've been exposed to multiple cultures which resulted in my love for learning about new cultures. I also am excited to learn and experience Italian music since I'm a violinist. I am looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the Italian culture!
