Campus Conversation: Silvia Chinellato
Posted on: August 5, 2020; Updated on: August 5, 2020
"COVID-19 had such a strong impact on my summer plans as I was not able to go home
during the whole summer, increasing the time without seeing my family and friends
(almost one year). When the school closed at first, I was very undecided if I wanted
to go back to Italy or to stay in the U.S. I booked two tentative flights to go back
home to Italy, one on May 6, which was canceled a few days before the departure, and
then another on May 31, which was canceled weeks in advance. After these two failed
tries, I decided to stay in the U.S. because the borders closed.
At first I was confused and sad when it appeared that international students wouldn’t
be able to stay in the U.S. with only online classes. Though, I felt lucky because
I knew that our school was setting up a hybrid program, I had to change my classes
from totally online to in person to make sure I was able to stay in the U.S. Either
way I already booked my flight to go back home in November to spend more time with
my family during the holidays.
I have been living safely overall. I always use a mask wherever I go out, and I do not go in crowded places. Also, I always hang out with the same people trying to keep a safe distance. Being part of the tennis team, I am excited to come back to practice and compete with my teammates. Also, I got the opportunity to work as a graduate assistant with the HRTM school while continuing my master’s degree. I am looking forward for these two opportunities."
-Silvia Chinellato, master's candidate of international hospitality and tourism management
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