Italy Was a Dream Country.
Dylan was supposed to go to Italy for the month of May. He was going to be taking classes and exploring Europe for the first time in his life.
Years ago, Dylan decided he wanted to learn Italian. He met some people on a video game when he was a freshman in high school, and they taught him some Italian words. At one point, I thought he might actually teach himself the language.
But then Dylan dropped out of Spanish, and then he gave up on the IBCP program which would have required him to teach himself a new language. And that was the end of that.
Coincidentally, his First Year Seminar class was taught by an Italian professor. She had an accent and used Italian culture as a basis for their seminar studies.
As a freshman, Dylan didn’t have much of a chance to get into any of the coveted Maymester programs – especially not those in Europe. But because of his First Year Seminar professor, he was chosen to take part in the Maymester trip to Italy.
Dylan was thrilled with the opportunity – and also a little scared. He’d just gotten to college, and he didn’t want to leave his friends. But he was still excited and looking forward to exploring Europe. And of course, I was excited for him. I’ve never been to Italy, but at least I could live somewhat vicariously.
And then: the world stopped.
Italy was one of the first places to stop. Obviously, Dylan isn’t in Italy now. To be honest, none of us really wants him in Italy now. But still.
Italy was a dream country. It was a place so many of us dreamed about, wished we could see. And now – what will it be?
The natural beauty, the culture, the glory that once was Italy – none of that has changed. But with the death tolls and the destruction of the population, the certain falling of the economy and the terror felt by so many around the world – what will Italy become in the eyes of the world?
I would love to see Italy in its former glory. Now, I can only hope to still be around if and when that glory returns.
And I hope that Dylan – and maybe even Shane – will get a chance to see that glory, too.