Inaugural Scholarship Recipient Reinforces Love of Teaching in Argentina
Colleen Ritzer’s legacy of kindness and love of teaching has been seen in many ways, and has certainly not been forgotten. Most recently, Colleen’s legacy of love of teaching and devotion to students was shown in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where a scholarship recipient immersed herself in a diverse culture to make a difference in the lives of students near and far.
Jess Ferronetti, an inaugural scholarship recipient and student at Assumption College, spent a month of her summer participating in an internship program in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Through the Assumption College Modern and Classical Language and Culture Department, Ferronetti was able to participate in a teaching internship where she taught Spanish Literature and English at a primary and secondary school. She was exposed to two different teaching environments and a variety of students who differed in age at el Instituto San Román and el Instituto Nuestra Señora de Lourdes in Buenos Aires.
“Prior to this internship, I had never traveled outside of the United States, so I’m glad I was able to! Being able to teach Spanish Literature and English during this internship really reinforced my career path as a teacher.”
When she wasn’t in the classroom, Ferronetti was out exploring and immersing herself in the diverse culture of Argentina. From Buenos Aires to Uruguay and the Iguazú waterfalls on the Argentina/Brazil border, she exposed herself to new experiences outside her comfort zone.
Ferronetti greatly enjoyed her experience, and would encourage other students to travel as well. “It’s definitely an experience I won’t ever forget, and I would highly recommend that other students teach with a program like this,” shared Ferronetti. “Not only did I get to experience teaching in a classroom, but I got a study abroad experience as well. I’ll never forget the memories I made.”
Following her time abroad, she had a brief word of gratitude for the scholarship donors. “This scholarship also helps me to be a part of Colleen’s legacy and helps me to be a better teacher, and I am super thankful for the opportunity to do this. I would just like to say thank you to the scholarship donors”, Ferronetti shared. “Without this scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to take a month off of my job to participate in this amazing opportunity, and I’m so grateful that I was able to have this experience.”
Following her graduation, Ferronetti is hoping to teach for a year or two prior to attending graduate school for Spanish literature.