Unexpected Paths to Our Place in Florence

Makinley Baker, Luke Castrina, Allison Giammona, Nora Hoose, Cate Lalonde, Eric Melder, Stella Nicholson, Daniela Wood.  

A group of GIF students delivered the speech “Unexpected Paths to Our Place in Florence” at the international conference “The World in Florence”. It is the Gonzaga in Florence extracurricular activity "My Place in Florence", connected to the class Cross Cultural Communication. This is the introduction of their intervention:

“We are a group of students from America. In this presentation are the places that, during our first week in Florence, for different reasons and in different ways, captured our attention. These spots might not be hidden or classically “authentic” but they are experiences that put the ground beneath our feet in Italy. The tourism industry seeks to create a stereotypical version of what Italy is and can be. But these places, though unequivocally Italian, cannot be understood or maybe even found in a guidebook. In our eyes, these places have shaped our own version of Italy, one that is unique and lasting in our memory.”

Students at the end of their speech were interviewed by a local journalist.

You have done a great job: BRAVISSIMI! The speech was clear, simple, spontaneous and profound. I believe your performance was by far the best one. I am very proud of you. GRAZIE a: Makinley Baker, Luke Castrina, Allison Giammona, Nora Hoose, Cate Lalonde, Eric Melder, Stella Nicholson, Daniela Wood.