Ciao! My name is Mallory Kent and I am a soon-to-be graduate here at UO! As a former student-athlete at UO, I had the privilege of competing on the Acrobatics and Tumbling program. Upon completing the Siena program, I will earn my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and will begin my MBA at UO this Fall. In addition to my athletic pursuits, I've been heavily involved in campus activities, and staying actively engaged has been a remarkable privilege. Balancing work, academics, social life, and sports was challenging but immensely rewarding. These experiences have instilled in me a strong work ethic, teamwork skills, effective time management, and, most importantly, resilience.
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During my time at UO, I developed valuable skills in problem-solving and navigating ambiguity. Collaborating with a team of 45 athletes or presenting a final project in the classroom taught me the importance of working with diverse backgrounds. These skills were crucial during my trip, helping me face challenges with competence and confidence. Encountering language barriers while reading signs and communicating with locals was intimidating, but I learned to navigate these situations and find solutions in real time.
Transitioning from Oregon to a foreign country presented unexpected challenges. The experiences since leaving Oregon have pushed me to grow individually and build meaningful relationships with locals and fellow UO students. The most prevalent challenge in Siena has been the language barrier. Despite many locals speaking English, it remains difficult to communicate and understand terms such as street signs and menu items. The Italian language has proven to be one of my biggest weaknesses! Other cultural differences, such as etiquette, celebrations, and the concept of time, have also been challenging. Adapting to the local dining schedule, with dinner typically between 8:00 and 10:00 PM, has been a unique adjustment. Additionally, the time difference with Oregon has complicated communication with friends and family.
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When I first stepped into Siena, I was captivated by the stunning architecture of the Siena Cathedral, the numerous gelato shops, and the endless wine stores. Located about an hour south of Florence, Siena offers easy access to nearby cities, beaches, and even neighboring countries. Coming from Texas, where it takes ten hours just to leave the state, I was amazed by how easily I could travel from city to city and country to country here!
As a student-athlete, discovering sports that are uncommon in the U.S. has become a cherished passion of mine. Having been surrounded by the same sports for most of my life, I've yearned to explore the athletic traditions that other countries and cultures value and celebrate. Among these, the Palio stands out as a quintessential event in Siena. The Palio is a historic horse race held twice a year within the walls of the Piazza del Campo. Ten of the seventeen contrades (districts) compete on July 2nd and August 16th each year. This unique event holds deep significance in Siena and is renowned worldwide.
Ciao!
By Mallory Kent, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
Wine Marketing in Siena, Summer 2024