GABRIEL VANNUCCHI
Major: Masters in Counseling
Buddy: María Belén from Paraguay
Why did you sign up to be a buddy?
I signed up to be a buddy because, after graduating from Southwestern College, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and ran cross country and track on scholarship, I wanted a new college experience and to fully embrace the opportunities on campus. Living in Turkey for two years and traveling the world at a young age gave me a natural curiosity and passion for learning about different cultures. The International Buddy Program felt like the perfect fit and a chance to continue growing as a person in ways that are not only academic.
What has been the best experience/memory you've had so far from your time in the program?
My best experience in the Buddy Program has honestly been meeting Maria and Ronald, my current and former buddies. They welcomed me into their lives, and I feel blessed because of that. We have traveled to Lawrence, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York together. I will never forget exiting the subway, seeing Times Square, and watching the excitement on Maria’s face. It was awesome. Although I had been to New York City before, when you host a buddy, it’s like experiencing places again for the first time.
