about-me

Everything began with a single step. For me, that step was boarding a plane to Indiana, USA, in August 2024 for my exchange year. However, the journey truly started back in February 2023, when I received my placement. I was incredibly grateful to the organization School And Vacation, where I also had the honor of serving as an ambassador for a while. Inspiring others my age to travel and sharing my unfiltered experiences became a passion, and this support network was invaluable throughout the entire process. I’m deeply thankful to both of the host families who treated me as one of their own.
At that moment, Indiana was just a place on a map, a destination with no particular significance to me. Little did I know, this unfamiliar place would soon become my second home and the backdrop for profound personal growth.
Arriving in Indiana from the bustling streets of Rome was a shock. The quiet fields and small-town charm felt both strange and intriguing. Adapting to this new environment was challenging, and I faced a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
Yet, each experience taught me something valuable about myself. Stepping out of my comfort zone was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
One of the first things I embraced was trying new activities. I vividly remember the mix of nerves and excitement as I joined the soccer team for the first time. Having dedicated years to tennis, this new sport—where I even scored some goals—was a thrilling challenge. It helped me connect with the local culture and break through initial barriers.
A pivotal moment in my journey was participating in a Dual Credit Government class. The highlight was running for president in a classroom simulation, which was a transformative experience. It sparked a deep interest in politics and leadership, helping me realize my desire to make a difference in the world. This exercise in democracy not only broadened my understanding of political processes but also ignited a passion for influencing change. Another memorable experience was organizing the prom at my high school, Mt. Vernon.

The process of planning and executing such a significant event helped me develop organizational skills and fostered a sense of community. It was rewarding to see my efforts come to life and to contribute to the school's vibrant social life.
The visit to Washington, D.C., for orientation with other exchange students was also eye-opening. Standing in front of the White House, I felt a boost of ambition and a clear vision of wanting to play a role in shaping the future.
I also grew closer to the church, experiencing how teenagers view religion and finding inspiration in it. I joined the youth group at both of the churches I attended and participated in the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, which was an amazing experience. Volunteering became a significant part of my life, always with the idea of helping others.
Tennis, which started in March, added something extra to my experience. It became more than just a sport—it became a source of deep satisfaction. I’ll never be able to express enough gratitude to my coaches for giving me this immense opportunity. Competing as the number two singles player in Indiana girls' tennis and receiving the honorable mentions from the state were significant achievements that underscored my hard work and dedication to the sport I've loved since I was little. Mt. Vernon High School quickly became my second home. The warmth and support from my peers and teachers made me feel truly integrated, and I made lasting friendships that I consider a true blessing in life—something for which I will be forever grateful.
Graduating with an Academic Honors Diploma was a fitting conclusion to a year of intense learning and personal growth. This journey has been a profound lesson in resilience, embracing new opportunities, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. It has transformed my perspective, instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose, and made me realize the power of stepping into the unknown.
This exchange year wasn’t just a chapter in my life; it was a turning point that shaped who I am today and set the stage for my future ambitions.

Gallery

August 2023 – June 2024 | United States of America

During my year abroad (august 2023 – June 2024) in USA I had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a dual credit government class—an experience that was both educational and transformative. This class provided me with a deep dive into the roots of the American government, exploring not only its history but also its current complexities and challenges.
Our teacher, Mrs Miller, encouraged us to think critically and engage deeply with the material, pushing us to understand the intricacies of governance and the importance of civic engagement. Throughout the course, we were assigned numerous projects that tested our ability to analyze real-world issues and develop practical solutions.

These projects ranged from presenting complex political cases to creating detailed proposals for pressing societal problems. Each assignment was a chance to think creatively, collaborate with peers, and apply our knowledge in meaningful ways.
The culmination of this experience was our final project, where we were tasked with "running for president." This wasn't just a hypothetical exercise; it was an immersive simulation that required us to bring together everything we had learned. We had to craft a comprehensive campaign, which included:

1) Writing a newspaper article to outline our platform

2) Producing a video to showcase our proposals

3) Designing a clear campaign sticker

4) Creating a compelling poster, preparing an in-depth presentation

5) The logo of the Presidential Campaign

5 Recording a radio-style audio segment to reach a broader audience

From the moment I first picked up a tennis racket at the age of six, my life was transformed. I vividly remember sitting on the sidelines, watching my grandpa play. The speed and precision of the game fascinated me, and I was drawn in by the rhythm of the ball flying back and forth. “Ginni, do you want to try?” he asked with a kind smile. Despite feeling a bit nervous, I felt a spark of excitement and eagerly accepted. That was the beginning of a journey where the tennis racket became more than just equipment; it became my trusted companion and a symbol of my determination. Tennis quickly grew from a simple interest into a central passion in my life. As a young child, my competitive nature was fierce. I couldn't stand losing or falling short in matches, and I was driven to improve constantly. I developed a sharp ability to track the ball and anticipate my opponent’s moves, skills that became my strengths on the court.
By the age of seven, I was already traveling around Rome with a tennis bag almost as big as I was. The joy of winning, represented by the medals I earned almost every weekend, fueled my ambition. Those medals, which still are my room, are more than just awards—they are milestones of my early achievements and hard work.

As I grew older, tennis remained a constant in my life, balancing a lot of training,( 5days a week 4 hours a day, with academics and community involvement.) My dedication only deepened, and I competed in 40 to 50 matches a year, reaching a 3.2 ranking in Italy despite a six-month injury. My perseverance paid off, and my passion for the sport was unwavering.
My tennis journey took a remarkable turn during my exchange year in the United States. Despite being a foreign exchange student, I played as the second singles player on my school’s varsity team. I competed in 20 matches during the season, with only four losses, and received an honorable mention from Girls Tennis Indiana, along withother awards given from my coches.Tennis has been much more than just a sport for me; it has been a source of joy, discipline, and personal growth. It has shaped my character and instilled in me the values of perseverance and dedication. The game continues to inspire and motivate me, driving me to excel both on and off the court.