Postcards From Abroad met up with Muhlenberg volleyball junior Rebecca Shear, a neuroscience major who studied in Florence, Italy, this semester.

Rebecca's and many other study-abroad students' experiences were unfortunately cut short due to the recent concerns and cases of Covid-19. Here's what she has to say about how Covid-19 has affected her experience:

Covid-19 is the reason why my study abroad was cut short. But I refuse to allow the virus to define my experience. I loved every moment I had in Florence and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I will remember the art, the food, and the spirit of the people as I ask everyone else to also do. I understand that fear is high and uncertainty even higher, but please do not blame a place, a race or a person for this epidemic.

Being in quarantine has given me a new perspective on being othered. People hear that I was in Italy and label me as "infected" when Florence had maybe three cases by the time I left. It's as if my proximity to the outbreak is somehow a dispositional flaw. I'm quarantining myself to help put minds at ease and protect others. Somehow 14 days will remove this newly acquired crown from my head. 

All I ask for is unity in the face of this. There can not be isolation without cooperation. We can social distance respectfully. We can buy groceries for people in quarantine. A cough should not have the power to turn every head in the room. Kindness at a time like this can make all the difference.

Prior to her leaving, here's what Rebecca had to say about her study-abroad experience in Florence:

What classes are you taking? Which class is your favorite?

I am taking Health and Fitness in the Mediterranean, Florence Sketchbook, Literature of Migration, World Religions, and Communicating in Italian. My favorite is Health and Fitness in the Mediterranean because we hiked trails, rowed down the Arno River and biked along the outskirts of Florence. This class has helped reveal the hidden gems of the city to me.

Have you been able to travel at all?

Yes! Mainly, I have traveled in Italy. I have been to Cinque Terre, Levanto, Prato, and San Gimignano. I've been able to ride a Vespa, be a part of many wine tours and discover the beauty and depth of Italy.

How have you been training while abroad?

Yes! I found a volleyball court (which is a rarity in Florence) and gathered a few people who can play. We play two on two, do drills, or just pepper along the river, which is beautiful. Additionally, I work out often and like running through the neighborhood.

What has been the overall hardest adjustment?

Not having a real American breakfast! More seriously, the hardest adjustment is probably being away from the people I love at home including all my dear friends at Muhlenberg. As much as I miss being around them, though, I have formed so many amazing friendships here and have had adventures that will stay with me forever.

What made you decide to study abroad?

I studied the Italian language and Italian culture in high school and fell in love with it. I wanted to experience another way of life and meet people from different places and with different backgrounds than me.

What have you learned about yourself while studying abroad?

I've learned that I am passionate about more than neuroscience and volleyball. Here, I'm an artist, a writer, and slowly becoming a food connoisseur. I'm also learning how to play soccer because it feels like a sin not to while I'm here. Additionally, I've learned how independent I am and how many issues that feel unsolvable can be fixed.

Any messages for your teammates back home? 

Keep working hard! I miss you all and I can't wait to get back on the court with you guys :)
 

Previous "Postcards":
Fall 2019
Declan Walkush, Cross Country and Track & Field (London, England)
Nicole Atkins, Softball (Seville, Spain)
Victoria Cabellos, Track & Field (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Ethan Grossman, Men's Lacrosse (Maastricht, Netherlands)
Jessica Sommer, Women's Tennis (Jerusalem, Israel)