"My love for the Italian language and culture began at a very young age. Growing up, my parents always spoke to me in the dialect of Ciociaro. But as I became older, I sought to teach myself the Italian language at the age of 10 by using many online tutors, and other family members and friends that I had made in Italy during my travels. By the age of 13, I was asked to speak at my high school's district board meeting about possibly funding and implementing an Italian program in the middle and high school. The following year the programs were then implemented throughout the district. During my high school years, I studied Italian and taught as a T/A for two Italian teachers (native Italian speakers) one in the middle school, and one in the high school.

As I advanced into my college years, I began studying Linguistics as my major, which gives me the tools to understand and dissect language systematically as a whole. I also chose Italian studies as my minor, completing not only college course levels from 101-202, but also engaged in my own personal Italian independent studies at the level of 399 for several semesters. I also completed a GST course that certified me to become a tutor for SUNY Oswego in the language of Italian, which I have actively done for the past two years. Over the summer and winter breaks, I continue to tutor upcoming students from my former middle and high school in the Italian language (References available upon request). Traveling to Italy really helped me to solidify my skillset in the language, and I cannot wait to return for my graduate studies program in 2021.

Over the years I have worked with students one-on-one, and in groups, ranging from ages twelve to twenty-one. Our usual setting was at the library, or at their schools. Many students have come to me with failing grades, and the uncertainty of passing their courses. However, within only a few tutoring sessions every student that I have worked with has not only passed, but raised their grade and understanding of the Italian l" less...