Leaving home wasn’t easy, when she left Italy for a new life, she traded the familiar rhythm from Milan, Italy with a bunch of firsts. New friends, fears and steps towards independence. But for Angelina Scrosati, the past few months in the United States have included her experience at one of the football games, stating, “One of the most meaningful moments was when I walked into my first football game. Seeing how connected everyone is and feeling like part of the community was very nice. Also making friends with a different culture and sharing my Italian culture with them will stay with me forever,” Scrosati said.

Scrosati came to America through an exchange program, hoping to challenge herself and experience something completely new. At the homecoming dance, her friend Amia Delgado recalled, “Angelina went to homecoming with her other friend Ciara, who is also an exchange student from Italy. [She] didn’t see her that much because there were so many people but she looked like she was having fun,” Delgado said.

Her biggest surprise came right away: how friendly and open everyone seemed.

“The biggest culture shock was how friendly strangers are in everyday situations,” Scrosati said. “Back home, people tend to keep to themselves.” 

The warmth she found in everyday interactions helped her adjust faster than she expected.

At school, the differences between the American and Italian education systems stood out immediately. Back home, she was used to structured lessons and quiet classrooms focused almost entirely on academics. Here, she found a more relaxed and interactive environment filled with projects, discussions and group work. 

“American school feels more relaxed and interactive, in Italy, it’s more formal – teachers often lecture while students take notes,” Scrosati said. 

What really caught her attention, though, was how deeply connected students are to school life beyond class. Her first football game felt like something from a movie, with the stands packed, music blasting and students dressed in school colors.

“I was surprised how much school life revolves around community events and sports. In Italy, school is more focused purely on academics,” Scrosati said. 

A few months into the school year, Scrosati says the experience has already changed the way she thinks about many things. Living in another country and navigating everything in a second language has made her more confident and independent.

“It’s a big step to go from studying to actually living in the language,” Scrosati said. 

With seven months ahead, Scrosati hopes to keep embracing every new experience that comes her way.

by JADEN BAKER & AMALIIA GIBADULLINA