Maddie Sipowicz '25
DANCE BFA, ENVIROMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BA
Recipient of the Paul and Christine Nussbaum Experiential Learning Innovation Fund
I would tell future students to focus on what brings them joy each day and what sparks their interests. Along with this, it’s important to explore your options with different clubs and ways to get involved since there might be many things out there that you didn’t know you loved.
- Maddie Sipowicz
Q: Tell me more about your experiential learning that you got to do with your funding?
A: Before I even applied for colleges, I knew that studying abroad was something I really wanted to pursue. Keeping that in mind, I was able to save money by commuting all four years of college and living fairly close to the school while maintaining a minimum wage job. This was my first time in Europe, so I really wanted to experience the culture to the best of my ability. I learned a bit of Italian before going and took a few cooking classes and many tours while I was abroad in order to experience the culture. Throughout my time in Italy, I learned many valuable things that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned a lot about myself, especially with how independent I became while exploring a different country and adapting to new social norms and ways of life. It’s important to remain open minded and respectful of other cultures.
Q: What was your favorite part about it?
A: My favorite part was being able to go on little day trips and explore more beyond Florence and how cultures can differ even if you’re a few hours away from a specific location. It was interesting to experience how different people have their own traditions and norms.
Q: How is it helping you with your studies?
A: It helps me understand differences in cultures and adapt to changes whether it’s academic, job, or travel related. It also allowed me to become more open minded about everything and consider all different opportunities and options while appreciating everyone's different backgrounds and traditions when crossing paths.
Q: How was Italian dance different from American dance?
A: I went to see a ballet: Fondazione Mascarade Opera, Reunited in Dance: Simbiosi. I’ve grown up learning the Cecchetti method of ballet (Italian style) and Balanchine (American) but it was interesting to see how intricate and precise each dance was. It was also noticeable that the ballerinas focused on seamless transitions throughout each movement, along with rapid footwork. They had a live orchestra which was something I had never experienced on stage before.