Between cultures: Paul Avenati

Looking back upon my short seventeen-year-old life, I must say that the feeling of being bi-cultural has left me somewhat stranded. Stranded between two cultures that have changed my perspective on life for good. Both my Italian and American heritage have flavored the cultural mix that I am today.

[ Nov 10, 2001]  I went to elementary school in Italy, attended middle school in Boston, and continued high school at an American Overseas School in Rome. This education has given me the chance to thoroughly analyze two definitions of life within cultures. Travel and a brief uprooting at a young age have left me with the blissful yet confusing gift of variety. Our credence in diversity is the key to progression and I feel lucky to have learned that concept so young. It has taught me to question cultural beliefs and dogmas instead of accepting them blindly. It has also left me somewhat of an expatriate and observer - a role that I have grown to cherish and enjoy.