UMD’s Nathalie Cimbalo spends Thanksgiving Week while studying abroad in Florence working on a special program to give back to the local community and give thanks through an amazing and heartwarming volunteering project.
Nathalie Cimbolo, junior at the University of Maryland, College Park, studying Criminology and Criminal Justice with minors in Sociology and Sustainability, is spending her Fall 2022 semester studying abroad in Florence at the International Studies Institute, Florence (ISI Florence).
When asked the reason behind choosing to go abroad, she told us she wanted to experience a new culture, become more independent, and — of course — learn a new language!
She also intended to give back to the local community through volunteering activities.
Volunteering has many rewards. It provides a growing sense of satisfaction, confidence, and belonging. It shows potential employers that time abroad was used in a meaningful way to grow and learn. No matter how small, volunteer projects are always inspirational and meaningful.
Nathalie was interested in some of the opportunities available through ISI Florence; unfortunately, they conflicted with her school schedule. So, the ISI Florence Community Engagement Coordinator (Serena Giorgi) and Nathalie brainstormed ideas for a Thanksgiving week project. They identified Casa San Michele – a shelter home for mentally, physically, sexually, and socially abused women and their children – as the recipient of the donations. Instead of doing the traditional Thanksgiving food drive, Nathalie wanted to go a step further. Considering Casa San Michele already receives plenty of food, she thought it would be a good idea to give actual gifts instead.
The main collection point was Palazzo Bargagli, one of our institute’s facilities in downtown Florence. However, there were also collection points at Palazzo Rucellai (the famous fifteenth-century palace that has always served as ISI Florence headquarters) and at students’ apartments. Nathalie Cimbolo wanted to make sure every student had a chance to donate; having numerous collection points gave them the opportunity to do so.
The drive took place during Thanksgiving week and the items were donated to the shelter from the following Monday onwards.
We asked Nathalie what she was thankful for and how it related to her experience.
“I am thankful for my family and their well-being. I know I’m far from home but I’m grateful for my family and all that they do not just for me but for one another. During this whole volunteering process, I was able to visit the families who lived at Casa San Michele. Despite their struggles, they all stick together and take care of one another.”
“I learned never to underestimate what people are willing to do for others.”
She also reflected on the impact she had on the people and what impact they had on her. She told us that by organizing this donation drive she was able to give the families in the shelter more than just the bare necessities. They received gifts instead of used items because the purpose was to give them something different than the basics they already have.
“It made me realize I want to do more not only for the community around me but for other communities as well. I plan on pursuing a law degree. So, perhaps that will be my focus in terms of giving back to a community in need.” Nathalie was honestly surprised at how many things were donated! There were bags full of items by the end of the donation drive. She expected her peers to donate things they already had but they proved her wrong and a lot of students brought in new and unused items.