Hola! My name is Gildo Silvestri and I just completed my first year at John Cabot as a full time degree seeker. I come from an island off the coast of Honduras known as Roatan, and, before university, I had never been to Europe. My decision to come here was quite a leap of faith but once I arrived in fall 2014 and immersed myself in the Italian culture, I knew there was where I belonged. At first, I was nervous to be so far away from home, but when I was greeted with gorgeous churches at every block, Italian people with a kindness and warmth of heart that, before, I had only ever experienced with Latinos, and the smell of the most delicious Italian cuisine in the numerous patioed restaurants, I thought (and still think) to myself: this city is amazing.
John Cabot University is located in the neighborhood of Trastevere. Trastevere is a historic area with many spectacular sights and much history, such as the mystical Tiber River and the Vatican City. The JCU campus has a lot to offer: the Frohring Library with its vast collection of books and movies; the lemon tree courtyard where one can spend leisure time with friends; many stunning terraces, a student lounge to relax in between classes; a doctor’s office for anyone who does not feel well; the Aula Magna where many events take place; and a number of computer labs, including a new lab with Mac computers.
John Cabot becomes the second home of many multicultural students who, even in their diversity, all share something that relates them to one another. On my first day at JCU I met Italians, Russians, Egyptians, Americans, and Latinos that have been sharing their experiences with me since then. When I reached the dorms I met my two roommates, who are from Madagascar and Montenegro. We were all eager to get to know each other and talk about our very distinct yet similar cultures. To make friends with people that were born and used to live continents away from where you are from and yet have so much in common with you is incredible. It changed who I am as a person. Now, I am more open minded and ready to have new experiences that allow me to learn more about the world we live in and to be able to relate to different people.
John Cabot provides me not only with extensive and easily accessible study material while I get to live in one of the most amazing cities in the world, but it also gifts me with a unique multicultural experience. The staff at John Cabot made my friends and me feel like we have a home away from home, and that is what made the transition to a new culture and a new phase of our lives relaxed. I am honored to be a part of the John Cabot community and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
Gildo Silvestri
Business Administration Major
JCU Class of 2018
Roatan, Islas de la Bahia, Honduras
