Sammi Brock

My name is Sammi Brock and I am a graduate of the 2025 Class of the Romance Languages Program. I specialize in French and Italian.

I was overwheled when I was told I was one of this year's recipients of the Chiara Levin Award, as I am very dedicated to my studies in language and it was very meaningful to me. With this honor I hope to continue my studies in French and Italian. I am looking to complete a doctorate or masters degree in Comparative Literatures or specializing in one of my focus languages. With this award, that dream of mine is feeling more possible. It will not only help me pay for applications to these programs, but I also hope it will help me return to Europe to study or to reconnect with the lifelong friends I made during my time abroad.

I was fortunate enough to take part in the BCSP Program through Indiana University during the Fall 2025 Semester. While studying in Bologna I studied 19th and 20th Century  Italian literature, 20th Century Italian film, and even Ancient Roman History. I was exactly in my milieu getting to discuss novels, literature, and film with other passionate people. I met students from across the globe from Italy, Belgium, and Finland, to Lebanon, Iran, and India. These friendships of mine are cherished and changed the way I see the world every day. I can safely say that this experience made me more confident in myself and my dreams to connect with as many people as possible in their native languages. Art is one of my passions, in all of its forms, and while abroad I got to see Medieval and Renaissance Bolognese sculpture and architecture, and try authentic Florentine and Bolognese food. I traveled to France, Greece, and Ireland and saw sights that took my breath away.

With this award I hope to continue to travel the world as a tourist, but also a scholar. In my future studies I hope to be able to pursue ancient libraries of the US and Europe, and delve deeply and passionately into their tomes. 

I cannot express my gratitude and excitement enough.