Linda Senecal ‘09

Linda Senecal is an Ancient Studies major and an English minor; she spent her junior fall semester in Rome, Italy.

...studying history in the actual place you are learning about truly brings it all to life. I didn’t feel like I really understood Julius Caesar or the reality of the Coliseum until I went to Rome and could feel their living presences there. I’ve learned so much at Mt. Holyoke, but going to Rome “actualized” all of that knowledge into a tangible body of understanding. It literally put “Rome” right into my hands.

Where did you study abroad: Rome, Italy

When was this: Fall semester of 2007 (September-December)

Why did you choose to study abroad: I was encouraged by some faculty in the Classics department, who thought it was an excellent program and would be a great experience – that’s what first urged me into study abroad. I never would have even considered it without their encouraging suggestions! But when I myself began to consider the idea, my motives were primarily for the experience (I wanted to challenge myself, and broaden my horizons), and also for the immense amount of learning I would gain.

What did you study: I studied ancient history and archaeology, Latin and art history (from around the Renaissance period). The setting was varied each day. Some days we learned in the classroom, where we heard lectures, had discussions and received presentations; other days we were out in the field, exploring monuments or visiting churches. Each day was its own adventure.

What was a personal challenge you had to overcome: Living on my own. This was the first time I ever had a chance to explore the world completely independent from anyone I knew. The experience was wonderful and incredibly enriching. I realized first how huge the world was (and how small I was in it!), but also how much choice I had in life. The world was at my hands, and I had to decide how I would live my life, free of the influences of family and the traditions I grew up with. I learned so much about myself and about who I truly am.

What next: Next, I’m off for a post-baccalaureate program in Psychology, after which I am going to apply for master’s/doctoral programs also in Psychology. My post-baccalaureate work will be done at a university in the states, but I’m seriously considering going abroad again for future studies, most likely to England or France this time. I would love to live anywhere in Europe again: the experience was unbelievably rewarding and challenging in a way that life in America, because of its familiarity, simply can not be. I suppose it depends how ambitious I am when the application time arrives (and also, whether or not I learn French)! It would be a blessing to get to go again.