Cameron Prescott, Class of 2024
Our alumni demonstrate that the possibilities are endless for Italian Studies students. Cameron Prescott, who graduated this past spring with a BA in Italian Studies and Political Science, is a testament to the value of learning a second language. Although he didn’t initially plan to major in Italian when he began his journey at UMass, Cameron is grateful for the decision that ultimately shaped his academic and professional aspirations.
Cameron's passion has always been law; however, during his sophomore year he enrolled in an Italian class to fulfill a language requirement—a choice that marked the beginning of a new academic path. After completing Italian 240, the final course in our language sequence, Cameron decided to pursue a minor in Italian and studied abroad to further immerse himself in the language and culture. His time abroad was a pivotal experience that broadened his global perspective. While overseas, he even took political science courses focused on Italian law, which deepened his understanding of governance and legal systems. These courses not only enhanced his appreciation for law and societal order but also inspired him to declare a second major in Italian Studies upon his return to Amherst.
Cameron completed the remainder of his Italian Studies major through a diverse selection of courses, including those exploring literature, culture, and Renaissance-era politics in Professor Papio’s Medici class. He found the literature courses particularly impactful in preparing for the LSAT. The intensive analysis and critical thinking required to interpret pre-modern Italian literature closely mirror the skills needed for success on the LSAT, which emphasizes reading comprehension and logical reasoning.
Another highlight of Cameron’s academic journey was our integrative experience course, “Italy and the Mediterranean.” This class enriched his cultural competency and allowed him to explore Italy’s diverse customs and traditions. The knowledge he gained from this course even inspired him to consider pursuing a master’s program abroad, further solidifying his global perspective.
We are incredibly proud of Cameron and all he has accomplished. As he finishes his law school applications, we wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing the remarkable impact he will undoubtedly make in his future endeavors. -interview by Chloe Small, BA-ITAL '26
Jenny Mastrobattista, Class of 2022
Jenny (Ginevra) Mastrobattista graduated in 2022 with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Italian Studies. Throughout her undergraduate career at UMass, she always intended to work with social policy and welfare programs. As a complement to these future goals, she also chose Italian Studies because of her interest in the subject matter and the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum. Jenny explained that the courses she had taken on Italian culture, literature, and more, allowed her to explore different focus areas and equipped her for an international post-grad experience. After graduating from UMass, she went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in International Social and Public Policy at the London School of Economics. There, her courses focused on countries recovering from past and ongoing conflict. Today, Jenny aids refugees as they resettle in the United States at the International Institute of New England, working out of their Boston office.
When reflecting on how her experience at UMass prepared her for her post graduate endeavors, she shared that her coursework in Italian Studies taught her about the political and cultural structures of the Mediterranean as well as broadened her perspective on how difficult it is to learn a foreign language. This empathy and awareness for other cultures and experiences helps Jenny navigate her clients through the daunting resettlement process as they adjust to life in the US. interview by Ashley Rooney, SM-ITAL '24