At John Cabot University, our students’ journeys are as diverse and inspiring as the community itself. In this Student Spotlight, senior Antonella Papaianni, a Psychology major with minors in Business and Sociology, shares how studying in Rome and learning from Professor Jenn Lindsay shaped her academic path and personal growth.
Hi everyone, my name is Antonella Papaianni. I was born and raised in San José, Costa Rica, surrounded by nature, family, and friends. Growing up, I loved soccer, reading about psychology, and learning about people and cultures. Now in my final semester at John Cabot University in Rome, I’m completing my Psychology major with minors in Business and Sociology. Living in such a diverse and international community has helped me grow academically and personally, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to my future career. In my free time, I love traveling, meeting new people, and discovering new perspectives on the world.
Professor Jenn Lindsay, originally from San Diego, is a sociologist, filmmaker, and educator at JCU. She earned her BA in Playwriting from Stanford and a Ph.D. in the Sociology of Religion from Boston University. Through her company, So Fare Films, she amplifies marginalized voices and explores interreligious dialogue. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys exploring nature with her husband, Edoardo, and their dog, Nileex.
Starting Professor Lindsay’s Introduction to Sociology class was one of the major turning points in my college journey. Before that, I often struggled to feel excited about going to class. But with sociology, and especially with Professor Lindsay’s unique teaching style, everything changed. It was one of the first times I found myself eager to walk into the classroom and participate in discussions. The way she teaches her classes made the subject come alive. Her clarity, passion, and ability to break down complex ideas made sociology not only understandable but fascinating. She had a way of connecting abstract theories to real-life situations, which kept me engaged and curious throughout the semester.
Through this class, we covered the foundations of the discipline: how society shapes individuals, how culture influences behavior, and how social institutions such as family, education, and government operate. One of the most valuable lessons I have gained from sociology is learning to connect personal experiences with larger social forces, a perspective rooted in what C. Wright Mills called the “sociological imagination.”
My favorite sociologist we studied was Émile Durkheim. He showed how even deeply personal acts are shaped by social forces, identifying different types of suicide linked to levels of social integration and regulation. My biggest takeaway from class is the term “social effervescence,” which was introduced by Émile Durkheim in The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1912). It describes the heightened collective energy people experience during rituals and gatherings, which strengthens social bonds. The term has evolved and is also used as “social glue” by sociologists and political scientists, such as Robert Putnam, to describe the trust, norms, and connections that hold societies together, though it does not have a single clear inventor.
During Professor Lindsay’s class, I felt for the first time, able to see everyday life not just as random events, but as part of broader patterns that connect people across society. Whether it was learning about social norms, inequality, or the role of institutions, I felt like my eyes were opening to a new way of understanding the world.
Currently, I am taking her Sociology of Religion course, which has been equally transformative. At first, I worried it might be a dry or overly formal study of religious practices, but it has turned out to be one of the most thought-provoking classes I’ve ever taken. We explore how religion can be perceived in different cultural and social contexts, how it shapes group identity, and how it influences values and behavior. What I appreciate most is the environment Professor Lindsay creates. She encourages open dialogue and makes it clear that all perspectives are valued. In her classroom, I never feel judged for my beliefs; instead, I feel supported in exploring and expressing them.
Beyond the academic knowledge, the most important lesson I’ve learned from Professor Lindsay is to believe in myself. Her encouragement and compassion help students get back on their feet, both academically and personally. To me, she has been more than a professor; she has been a mentor, a motivator, and a reminder that education is about growth in every sense of the word.
Feeling inspired by Antonella’s journey? Explore what it’s like to study Psychology, Sociology, or our other majors at John Cabot University in Rome. Visit our Academics page or email admissions@johncabot.edu to schedule an informational call and discover how you can start your own study abroad experience in Rome.