Name: Shantel Vigliotta
Graduation Year: 2018
Major: Finance
Hometown: Billerica, MA
Astrological Sign: Virgo
Favorite Color: Blue
Tell us a bit about your experience traveling abroad this semester (so far!)
My experience abroad has been tremendously educative and simultaneously the best time of my life! Taking on a new culture and way of life has been both intimidating and exciting. Europe opens up the opportunity to travel easily, efficiently, and without spending a fortune. It’s amazing to be able to experience multiple countries in such a short period of time, and all without traveling too far. Adapting to the music, nightlife, pastimes, foods and cultural norms of Spain has given me the ability to understand a broader, more conducive perspective of life and the world.
What has been your favorite place to travel thus far?
It’s hard to pick one of the many places of which I’ve had some of the best times of my life on this trip. But if I were to pick one, it would be Ireland. I went to Dublin for a weekend and traveled to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher one of the days. The people and the atmosphere are what struck me most about the country, and I cannot stress enough that they are the reason I enjoyed my time there so much. Everyone was extremely kind and friendly. The nightlife’s atmosphere there felt like a scene out of a movie. Everywhere you went the energy was cheerful. With live music echoing through the entirety of the downtown bars, it was hard not to be swept up in the excitement and energy circulating the room. It was truly one of the best times of my life. And not to mention the view of the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher: its beauty couldn’t be described in words nor could it captured in a picture. And the dirt roads winding down the countryside lined with stonewalls gave meaning to quaintness of the countryside life. Looking back, I know that Ireland is somewhere that I have to return to one day.
What steps did you have to take in order to study abroad?
I had to apply online and be accepted into the program. But before that, I attended an information session that provided me with everything I needed to know and how to properly apply. After I was accepted, I was prompted to attend further meetings to discuss the details of going abroad. Then before I knew it, I was stuffing two suitcases and off on a 7-hour flight to Madrid!
Would you recommend studying abroad? Why?
Absolutely. I think it’s an experience that everyone should have. It’s truly imperative to me that people see the different way of life in Europe to be able to understand the world in much more accurate perspective. There is so much to be learned abroad about America and it’s place in this world, and vice versa about Europe.
Do you feel like you have learned anything through your experience abroad?
I have learned so much. But I would say it could be generalized in one way. In retrospect, my major takeaway from this trip was what I aforementioned. I simply am able to understand America’s place in this world, something that is so often shielded from people when they have lived there all their life.
What are your goals when you come back to Boston?
When I return to Boston, I’ll be starting an intensive internship program for the summer at Northwestern Mutual. My goal is to put all my efforts into doing well there and hopefully I’ll establish an upper hand in the business world before I graduate.
What kind of activities do you like to do outside of school?
I really enjoy dancing and will be co-captain for the Suffolk University Dance Team next year! I also love to paint and draw. So I often do that in my spare time. And I love spending time with my friends and exploring Boston and experiencing all it has to offer!
Who would play you in a movie about your life and why?
Hm, well I’d probably say Mila Kunis. I feel like she particularly plays characters that I share a similar personality with.
What is your favorite thing about being at Suffolk?
Suffolk provides so many opportunities with its location in Boston. And on top of that, it isn’t confined to a closed campus like so many colleges. I thoroughly enjoy the fact that Boston itself is our campus and I feel like it better prepares you for life after college. Rather than trapping its students in a bubble, it allows for growth and opportunity to utilize all that Boston can offer to young professionals.