Jenny Seo, a junior at NYU majoring in Media, Culture, and Communication with a minor in Creative Writing, was a PDO for the Office of Academic Support. Her adoration for books naturally evolved into a passion for writing, allowing her to capture the individual talents and projects of the other PDOs and create these biographies. She also helped curate a themed display at the Villa Ulivi Library, suggesting alternative books or movies based on what visitors have already seen or read. Jenny has a wide range of experiences as a writer, having worked as a translator, columnist, and editor, but enjoyed the tasks given to her as a PDO that touch upon other aspects of the written world. Although she had never considered herself a classic literature enthusiast, studying abroad in Florence and finally diving into books by authors like Dante has opened her eyes to the depth and charm of timeless pieces. Jenny’s dream career path is to be a part of the screenwriting process for films that shed light on the beauty of mundanity–moments that often go unnoticed but hold profound meaning. She would love the opportunity to have pasta with Raphael Bob-Waksberg, known to most as the genius behind the show Bojack Horseman but to Jenny is the creator of one of her favorite books, Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory. She wants to ask him: “How do you devise the most absurd scenarios with such a straight face?”

Sophia Moncaleano, a freshman at NYU in the Liberal Studies Core program, was a PDO for the Office of Academic Support. She hopes to study International Affairs and has always enjoyed learning about different cultures. As a PDO, Sophia aimed to immerse herself in Italian culture and adapt to her new home. Her first project involved interviewing Silvia, the Italian tutor, and writing her bio, which not only promoted campus tutoring resources, but also provided personal insight into Italian life. She gave tours to Italian high school students, giving them a taste of the American university life, and hosted an event where she explored cultural perceptions through conversations with young Italians. These activities allowed her to form meaningful connections and gain a deeper understanding of Italian culture beyond stereotypes. As a foreigner, Sophia found much comfort in hearing Italians’ stories as it showed her they can still relate to each other even though they came from opposite sides of the world. Being in Florence inspired Sophia to step out of her comfort zone and gain knowledge in different political settings. Her dream career would be a sports reporter, interviewing athletes after their greatest victories or losses during the peak moments of exhilaration. Sophia would love to share pasta with Amal Clooney, who she believes balanced work and personal life perfectly–a lawyer who fights for human rights of underrepresented communities all while being married to Geroge Clooney.

Rebecca Melin, a junior at NYU majoring in History and Art History with a minor in Comparative Literature, was a PDO for Villa La Pietra (VLP). Rebecca grew up visiting museums every weekend and her early love for art and history naturally led her to make the decision to pursue both fields. This fascination also guided her to VLP, where Rebecca gave tours of the collection, helped rehouse and catalog archival postcards and photographs, and finally, conducted research for the new and final chapter in the Growing Up with the Acton Boys exhibition. As a PDO, she was able to directly engage with material within her chosen field, allowing her to develop the public speaking and organizational skills necessary for working in museums. Rebecca’s most memorable experience in Florence was visiting the Uffizi Gallery and witnessing some of the greatest works of western art that she had only studied through classes, including but not limited to: The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Four Philosophers by Peter Paul Rubens, and Bacchus by Caravaggio. Her passion for reading has also served as a gateway for discovering new artists and historic periods as well. Rebecca’s dream career would be to travel full-time and write for National Geographic History, but her current and more realistic goal is to become a museum curator. She would love to get pizza with Caravaggio, one of her favorite artists of the Baroque period, to hear about his artistic vision and gain more clarity on the rather dramatic events of his life. 

Owen Roberts, a junior at NYU studying Studio Art, was a PDO for Villa La Pietra. After stumbling upon a video of street artists on YouTube in high school, Owen found himself starting to draw in the margins of his notebooks. His passion for art and its dynamic history led him to Villa La Pietra (VLP), where he gave tours around the house and gardens to both students and special visitors. He also assisted in organizing VLP’s expansive archive and documenting the Acton Family’s collection, through which he gains a profound understanding of great painters he aspires to join someday. Though Owen has previously worked as an apprentice for some artists, helping to manage old artworks and leading tours was a new experience for him that provided valuable insight into the museum part of the artworld. Outside of Villa La Pietra, Owen can be found in deep conversation with the head gardener, Nick, on topics ranging from the 'crafting process' to life in Florence in general. Owen has big dreams of becoming an artist whose pieces will be discussed in future art history classes and hopes that his work will speak to a large audience. If he could have pasta with any painter, Owen would like to dine with Vincent Van Gogh and question him on how he had faith living in solitude despite receiving little to nothing in return for his pieces. He also really wants to know how Van Gogh enjoys a slice of pizza–if his creative artistic spirit shone through his pizza topping preferences as well. 

Emilee Baack, a freshman at NYU in the Liberal Studies Core program, was a PDO for Villa La Pietra (VLP). She helped conduct tours of the house for students and outside visitors and was also involved in translating some of VLP’s articles into Chinese and discovering Chinese references across various sources. Emilee plans to major in Global Public Health and had previously worked at a hospital and a sexual health clinic, so the PDO experience was her first exposure to art history within a work environment. However, she hopes to apply the lessons learned at Villa La Pietra to her studies in public health, such as being an informed global citizen, paying more attention to detail and organization, and effectively communicating with those around her. Emilee found working in a villa that holds such historical significance a privilege and felt rewarded when sharing her excitement for art with those she gave tours to. Surprisingly, walking up Via Bolognese to arrive on campus for the first time was the moment Emilee found a strong resolve to take away as much as she could from her first year of college in Florence. She dreams of being a public health official and if she could share pasta with anyone in the field, it would be Anthony Fauci, who she has deep respect for. 

Hana Greif, a junior at NYU double majoring in English Literature and History with a minor in Art History, was a PDO for Villa La Pietra (VLP). To Hana, literature and artworks serve as primary sources of further understanding the world and its history, an idea she explored further at VLP. There, she gave tours of the house and gardens, helped rehouse thousands of photos and postcards found in the Villa after Harold Acton’s death, and also assisted in organizing conservation records of paintings and sculptures to be published on the Villa La Pietra website. As a student interested in English Literature, Hana’s exposure to various famous writers like Evelyn Waugh and Aldous Huxley, who were linked to Harold Acton was a valuable experience. Her time in the Villa allowed her to work with art collections, an opportunity entirely new to Hana who had only worked in history museums before. She has learned to work with a museum database called The Museum System (TMS), a relevant skill that she plans on utilizing throughout her journey. Hana can often be seen completing homework assignments or drawing in the VLP garden, a place that makes her feel connected to prior historical inhabitants. With her love for watercolor painting and words, Hana’s dream career is to write children’s books and also illustrate them. She would like to dine with Margaret Atwood, whose books she believes have shaped her identity and understanding of the world more than any author. 

Polly Chen, a sophomore at NYU with a major in Media, Culture, and Communication, was a PDO for the Office of Student Life. She helped organize staff events, created content for social media accounts, and also contributed to developing a new student’s guide for those studying abroad in Florence. She hopes that this guide will encourage students to feel more connected with the city and engage with their surroundings. Polly valued the hands-on nature of her role, which involved gathering diverse perspectives to enhance the Office of Student Life’s projects. Studying abroad has deepened Polly’s appreciation for cultural exchange, and she now hopes to pursue a career with a more global focus. Particularly, learning Italian provided insight into how language reflects cultural roots and shapes individual perspectives, an experience that further motivated her to connect across cultures. Polly enjoys documenting her daily life through videos, capturing mundane yet memorable moments that she shares with others. Her dream career is to become an event planner or producer, jobs that allow her to create meaningful experiences and bring people together. While she can’t choose just one individual, Polly would love to share pasta with directors in the media industry, whose storytelling inspires her. She hopes to learn more about how they bring ideas to life and resonate with broad audiences.

Alejandra Zamora, a freshman at NYU in the Liberal Studies Core program, was a PDO for the Office of Student Life. She helped manage the inventory in Villa Natalia, ranging from snacks to yoga mats, and considers herself the go-to person for any inquiries regarding the villa’s supplies. Although Alejandra has not yet decided on a specific major, her PDO position offered various occasions to explore potential career paths and academic interests. This position has especially taught her the importance of time management, as she felt a sense of responsibility to ensure that she had completed the tasks given to her by the end of the workday. Alejandra’s dedication to leadership is her main drive, a value that has helped with her PDO projects. She finds Florence a city rich in art and culture that encourages her to slow down and enjoy life to the fullest, as opposed to the rushed environment she was exposed to in America. Alejandra cherishes the first time she felt at home in Florence–when she created a genuine connection with her newly made friends by bonding over homesickness and, of course, with the help of Chinese takeout. Alejandra dreams of becoming a history teacher for underprivileged students, inspired by her gratitude for the opportunities she received that others may not have. She would love to dine with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who Alejandra believes transformed the landscape for women in law. 

Carina Byrd, a freshman at NYU in the Liberal Studies program, was a PDO for NYU Florence Sustainability. There, she was part of a composting project that aimed to produce mulch efficiently. Carina also made posters and edited videos informing students of the proper way to dispose of garbage due to Italy’s more complex waste removal system in contrast to the United States. As an intended Environmental Studies or Biology major, she hopes to make a difference in solutions for climate change and wildlife conservation and believed her PDO role would be a helpful first step. Through her projects, Carina has gained skills such as scientific research, data collection, agricultural experience, and communicating with professionals in the field. In the sustainability office, she truly felt as though she was making a tangible impact on the environment while also gaining valuable knowledge to further her efforts independently in the future. Carina’s dream career is to carry out research on animal rehabilitation and ecology, eventually transitioning into activism-related work. She would like to share a slice of pizza with Jane Goodall, who pioneered the study of ecology and animals in their own environments–a unique approach that set her apart from other wildlife conservationists at the time.

Sia Mehta, a junior at NYU majoring in Dramatic Writing with a minor in Producing and the Business of Entertainment and Media Technology, was a PDO for the Digital Studio. Her interests in writing both prose and for the screen, alongside photography and media, guided her to the Digital Studio. There, Sia worked closely with Professor Alessandra Capodaqua to help produce prints of the photography students’ works and also assisted in conducting photoshoots at the NYU Florence campus. The studio provided Sia a far more interactive and practical approach to media compared to her previous experiences in the field, further developing her skills in print and editing. As opposed to New York, where the creative industry is rather fast-paced, being in Florence has allowed her to take time to reflect on her own passions and personal goals for the future. Many of the friends Sia made while studying abroad are now the subjects of her photographic work and she is eager to continue her work in written prose with a new eye as well. She dreams of directing and writing both films and novels, and maybe even fashion photography too, as she believes anything is possible. Sia would want to get pizza with Sean Baker, who she admires for writing emotional yet natural films, while simultaneously collaborating with photography directors to create stunning visuals.

Cara Uypeckcuat, a freshman at NYU in the Liberal Studies Core program, was a PDO for the Digital Studio. She developed an interest in structural design and building materials through her father, who works in the engineering industry. Although much of what Cara hears from him are complaints about other architects, constant exposure to the topic during her upbringing nurtured her enthusiasm for evolving forms of art. At the studio, Cara took photos at events, assisted in creating graphics for the NYU Florence Instagram account, and also worked with the Office of Student Life to develop video content showcasing the student community. Cara has been involved in other design opportunities thus far, such as producing 2D animations and translating promotional materials, but she appreciated the flexibility the Digital Studio provided her, an autonomy she didn't enjoy in her previous experiences. Cara compares Florence to a “living museum” and finds inspiration in its art history and architecture. She thoroughly enjoys her Italian class, where Cara learns about surrounding lakes and towns, views documentaries on notable Italian individuals, and even sings along to old Italian pop music. Her dream career is to lead the creative marketing team for any music, fashion, or film company, as she believes promotional content builds the backbone of their brand. Cara would love to eat pasta with the anonymous user CHAN on Instagram, whose use of bright colors and mixed media influenced her own personal artistic style. 

Sophia Wan, a junior at NYU majoring in Interactive Media Arts with a minor in Business, was a PDO for the Digital Studio. Her major leaves space for her to make an original idea come to life, especially through interactive installations and graphic designs that tell a story. Sophia wanted to learn new skills in multimedia production which led her to the studio, where she designed posters and promotional materials for events on the NYU Florence campus. She also helped other students borrow equipment from the studio. Because the Florence Flyer is published weekly, Sophia learned how to be efficient in order to complete a design within the limited time frame. Although Sophia has previously interned in design and social media, she often felt like there was little freedom and was instead obligated to work within rigid guidelines. Her experience at the digital studio, however, was different and Sophia greatly appreciated how her input was always fully respected. Her dream career is to be an installation artist who holds exhibitions that impact her audience through the social issues raised in interactive art. Sophia would love to have a slice of pizza with Nick Ut, and, specifically to ask him about the story behind his infamous Napalm Girl photo taken during the Vietnam War. She would like to discuss his perseverance in addressing political issues through photography as well as how he navigates complex moral codes in his work.

Lauren Lakra, a senior at NYU studying Entertainment Business, was a PDO for the Digital Studio. She assisted in producing content specifically for TikTok and Instagram and helped organize a consistent posting schedule. Lauren’s interest in the marketing side of the entertainment industry inspired her work in social media, where she applied transferable skills from her major to real-world projects. Although she had prior experience managing social media pages, working with an organization as established as NYU offered her new challenges—she found it fascinating to work alongside others in strategizing content that both reflected and enhanced NYU’s public image. Studying in Florence had an impact on her academic journey, fueling her passion for travel and cultural experiences. Inspired by Italy’s vibrant art and culture, Lauren now hopes to pursue a career that includes opportunities for travel, or perhaps even living abroad. Her role as a PDO encouraged her to explore Florence more deeply, capturing content in unique locations across the city and making valuable memories along the way. Lauren dreams of being an actress, her first passion that she explored through NYU Tisch’s Drama program before transferring to study the business aspect of the industry. She would love to share dinner with the creative marketing director of a company she loves in either the film or music industry. Although Lauren simply cannot choose a specific individual, she believes that she could gain insight into the process of curating a brand–a key element she hopes to bring to her future career.

Prianka Ramalingam, a junior at NYU studying Recorded Music, is a PDO for the Digital Studio. From the moment she began playing the guitar at age 12, Prianka developed a passion for music and has been writing and producing her own music ever since. With this prior experience, Prianka assists in scheduling for the Florence Underground Radio, teaching DJs how to use the sound board, and also helps with the production of a zine that features the live music scene in Florence. She gets her inspiration through the archive.org website, where she uses the vast number of archived zines that are showcased as reference for her own photographs and written pieces. These projects have expanded Prianka’s skills in graphic design and social media which she hopes to apply in the field of photojournalism later on. Being in Florence has opened her eyes to the community that local musicians create, as well as the various event spaces that allow for live music to be heard. Prianka's favorite memory here is interviewing Rocco, a member of the punk band Nikotina, who invited her to their band practice after meeting at a show and explained the meaning of each of their songs. Her dream career path is to be a musician and continue creating music in any way, whether it be through her own work, producing for other artists, or even audio engineering for bands. Prianka would like to get pasta with Brendan Yates from her favorite band Turnstile, who has been her biggest inspiration these past four years.