Dobry Den!

PrahaDobry Den! My name is Sarah Sargenti and I am currently studying abroad in Prague this spring semester. I was born and raised in Westchester, New York and then lived in Scottsdale, Arizona for 7 years. When I moved back to New York City for college, I felt like I was returning home in many ways. Yet at the same time, I have always been intrigued by traveling and want to see and experience many walks of life while I am here.

My concentration in Gallatin is the Evolving Role of New Media and Broadcast Journalism in Business. I am taking Radio News, Civil Resistance in Eastern Europe, Advertising and Society, and Management and Organizational Analysis. I arrived in Prague almost a week ago and we have been going nonstop, learning about the city and making new friends. I am excited to begin classes and continue experiencing the Czech culture and interacting with people here.

The first book I am reading is “The Book of Laughter and Forgetting” by Milan Kundera. “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” has been one of my favorite books for years, so I thought I would stick with Kundera. I think it is interesting how he intertwines relationships with characters with historical information about Prague in both of these novels. I also appreciate his themes and observation of human existence.

We quickly learned this week that the months of January and February do not get much sunlight in Prague, but I think that it creates character for the city. I have realized that it makes me appreciate sunlight that much more.

While I am abroad I want to travel to as many cities as I can afford to see. My friends and I have already booked a 3-day trip to Berlin next weekend and I am excited to tour that city. After studying history throughout high school, I have always wanted to see historical cities, such as Berlin. I feel very grateful to have this opportunity and be able to experience many different cultures in this way. I think it is an irreplaceable adventure. I know that time goes fast so right now I am trying to live in the moment and appreciate each day. And at the very least, I am hopeful that I will gain an additional perspective and observe people, places and feelings that I never had before.