I have been a language teacher for most of my working life. I started by teaching English in Italy and then taught Italian here in Australia. I love the contact with the students, the opportunity of learning myself about different cultures and connecting with all sorts of people. My travelling experiences, mainly in Europe and Asia, were a big eye-opener for me: seeing the world through different perspectives has broaden my mind and allowed me to grow as a person.
When I arrived in Australia, I fell in love with its landscapes, the wildlife, the sense of freedom. Deciding to stay has been the best decision I made in my life. I enjoy having a healthy lifestyle where I combine my passion for outdoor activities, especially bush-walking, bike-riding and swimming, with cooking and eating well and even trying to grow my own food. Well, some of it, at least!
What I’m most passionate about
While on a ‘personal’ level I love to immerse myself in nature, spend time with friends, exchange ideas and experiences with similar minded people, on a ‘social’ level, I am passionate about making the world a more equal place for everybody and try to do my bit to give people from a disadvantaged background, whatever it might be, a hand to improve their lives. I do some volunteering in community organisations, especially around health and nutrition, and support others that work to fight poverty and help refugees.
What has inspired me
I think it was the Dalai Lama who once said that even little actions can go a long way and gave the example of the difference that just one little mosquito can make to a room. I want to believe that he is right and am always inspired by people who make positive changes in their lives and the lives of others without being affected by the sense of helplessness that can overwhelm us when confronted with the enormity of the problems affecting the world.
Why PiCCA?
I am now at a stage of my life when sharing my skills and ‘giving back’ is just as important as continuing to learn. PiCCA reflects my values of equity and justice and offers me the possibility to be involved as a member as much as I want to be. Depending on my circumstances at the time, I may be able to provide some financial support, contribute some knowledge or experience, and one day even give a different slant to my love of travelling by visiting some of the projects that PiCCA funds.
