Growing up with my dad working for United Airlines had its perks. I never felt like I missed out on study abroad. But when Derek Bundy (HEA class of 2013) shared about his trip to Italy in the summer of 2012, I realized how silly it would be to pass up an opportunity to see a place I hadn’t and get class credit for it!
I worked my internship schedule around the trip, saved what money I could (thanks, Mom and Dad for helping with the rest), and registered for the 2 week class, halfway around the world, that promised to examine themes of leadership, power, authority, and social justice through the lens of Roman history (and the lens of a camera).
It’s true; the major assignment (a photo elicitation project) was a huge draw for me. Photography is my newest hobby, and the opportunity to interpret the class themes through photographs sounded like the coolest assignment ever! Little did I know, the types of pictures I enjoy taking would say more about me than I knew how to say on my own.
Prior to the trip, we took pictures that represented the themes of the course. On our first day in Italy we partnered up with classmates and talked about the photos we chose and what they symbolized. Throughout the course, our goal was to reconsider the photos we started with and examine how our interpretations changed, or how we might replace various pictures.
I learned so much about how we conceptualize leadership, and how it differs from power and authority, which many neglect to challenge, and how challenging power can make a huge impact on social change. I did all of that learning in the most amazing historic sites in the world, while taking pictures, and continuing conversations over the most delicious pasta EVER! More importantly, however, I was reminded that I have a medium through which I can show what I’ve learned. My final project was just that, a space for me to share how discussing the themes of the course helped me name my core values:
If you’re interested in learning more about my trip, please feel free to chat with me. I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted about the registration deadlines for this year. Also, you can check out the rest of my pictures here: www.stelliniphotography.weebly.com/europe
Derek Bundy
September 16, 2013 — 5:16 pm
Great photos and article, Jessie! So glad you were able to make the trip work. Truly, it was the trip of a lifetime – like I did with Jessie, I recommend this class to any higher ed grads or professionals (you don’t have to be in grad school to go!) that have an interest in leadership and social justice. Truly incredible.