Meet Ava Norris! Originally from Cape Code, Massachusetts, this Connecticut College Junior is double-majoring in Art History and Dance. Studying abroad this Fall 2024 at the Pantheon Institute, Ava talks about how her time in Rome has impacted her academic perspective and helped transform her sense of self.
“Rome has definitely exceeded my expectations.”
As a double major, Ava is forging her own unique professional path. “I’m hoping to potentially be a museum educator and eventually teach art history, and maybe teach dance along the way.” Choosing to come to Rome to explore art history, Ava explains how the Eternal City way surpassed her suppositions. “I thought [Rome] was going to be amazing, to be honest, and I was really excited to be here. But, Rome has definitely, completely, exceeded my expectations. There’s so much art. There’s so much architecture that I didn’t even know existed here. I came in with the focus of more Renaissance art for my major, but being here, I’ve been able to explore more modern art which has been really interesting and has changed some of my perspectives on Rome, but also my own degree.”
Ava says one of her favorite classes at Pantheon Institute is her independent study that focuses on the links and connections between architecture and art in Italy. “The Pantheon Institute has been really helpful in helping me further my personal focus on art history. They were able to offer me this independent study to further my knowledge on modern art and help me fill requirements that I need back at Connecticut College.”
The experience of being in Rome, where the city itself is a teaching tool, helped bring history to life and enrich Ava’s understanding of art and the context in which it was made. “Being here, I’ve been able to research not only the art but the artists themselves and the social and political landscapes [in which] they created this art, and that’s really expanded my views on modern art and how it impacts the art scene as a whole in the future of a city.” Pantheon Institute is committed to engaging and tactile learning that encourages collaboration, real-world engagement, and personal creativity in pursuit of multifaceted study. Ava explains how the Nutrition course has furthered her exploration of food, cooking, and sharing a meal, explaining, “I love being able to try different Italian foods that I might not have access to in the States and or even just experimenting in my own kitchen. … [During Nutrition cooking classes] there’s been a lot of teamwork. I think that’s been really fun and interesting because it’s also really nice that we’re all working together to create this meal and then we sit down together and eat it. It’s a really nice way to connect all of us.” The Pantheon Institute Nutrition course focuses not only on the value of food from an individual health perspective but with the goal of prioritizing wellbeing for the greater community. “We went to the Food and Agriculture Organization. It was super cool. It’s a part of the United Nations, which I didn’t know. I thought their mission to end hunger throughout the world is very inspiring and the different tactics they’re using in different areas of the world to accomplish this goal.”
“The Pantheon Institute has been really helpful in helping me further my personal focus on art history.”
“Rome is the best place to study abroad. I would come here time and time again.”
Study abroad is not just about learning but about transforming. “I feel like Rome is such a unique place to develop a sense of being. I’ve definitely grown as a person. Living in a city is something very new for me. Being in a foreign country is also very new to me. I feel like I’m more confident in myself and just being able to survive on my own and live on my own.” Her best piece of advice for someone considering study abroad? “Just go for it. I think study abroad can really be influential in your life. But…I’d say still Rome is the best place to study abroad. I would come here time and time again. There’s just so much to do, so much to see, so much to learn and so many opportunities.”
Thank you, Ava, for sharing about your experience abroad in Rome and with Pantheon Institute. We’ve loved having you! We look forward to welcoming you back again, time and time again.
