June 17, 2019
2019 Italy #COBGlobal: David and grandmother's wise words
An ECUCOB, Study Abroad Travel Log By Penni Bland
Day 11 began with saying goodbye to Bologna and boarding our bus to Florence, where two tours were scheduled.
Upon our arrival in Florence, we quickly had to drop off our luggage at the hotel and book it on foot to Eataly, which was along some beautiful stone streets whose narrow widths included boundless people speaking a plethora of languages. It was quite interesting. After a business presentation from one of Eataly’s Marketing managers, we had about 30 minutes to grab lunch, which pleased Pee-Dee and the other students.
A few students grabbed some cannoli on the way out and then off we headed to the Galleria Della Academia.
For me, this was an incredible experience to see David up close. As a former Sunday school teacher of pre-school children, I had told the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) many times. The children were always excited to hear how the small guy defeated a strong and mighty giant, with just a single stone from his slingshot.
We learned from our guide how David became a symbol of liberty and civic pride for the Florentine Republic after being surrounded by the hostile enemies of the Medici in the early 1500s (David was completed in 1504). Upon hearing that, I thought of my own struggles in overcoming challenges and “stronger and mightier” forces thrown my way. I thought of the challenges experienced across the globe, both currently and in the past, with how weaker populations feel helpless against the more powerful.
As I walked around David, I was amazed at how detailed Michelangelo was in carving this heroic young man from a block of abandoned marble more than 500 years ago. The more I gazed at David’s face and pondered his thoughts as he approached Goliath, much stronger and with full body armor and a shield, the more I realized David was not only armed with rocks and a sling, his faith in God, and his courage but also with his intellect. It would not have been possible to defeat such a foe without it. David’s facial expressions exude confidence. I looked around the room of crowded visitors and wondered if they, too, noticed David’s visage. I wondered if they also saw hope in David that when obstacles seem overwhelming or impossible, they too can defeat the odds.
My grandmother always encouraged me to get an education, as she said it was something no one could ever take away from me, and something I could keep in my back pocket and pull out if ever presented with challenges. Little did I know at the time, how her words would ring true. Having a college degree gave me the confidence I needed to raise three children on my own after a series of traumatic events. This summer I will complete the MBA course of study here at ECU, despite being told it was impossible. And as I stood in awe of David, I felt the presence of my wise grandmother whispering, “I knew you could do it.”
And, if I’m not mistaken, David nodded in agreement.
- Categories:
- Feature
- LCD
- Study Abroad